AMECEA NEWS

Source: CRN

High registration charges may force some community radio stations in South Sudan to shut down, says Director of Anisa Radio in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Rev. Fr. Elario Bazia Boro.

The National Communication Authority charges exorbitant annual registration fees and this poses a big challenge to all Catholic Radio Network or CRN stations cited in their reports during coordination meeting in Juba last week.

Fr. Bazia mentions that the national Ministry of Information is requesting all CRN members’ stations to register with 5,500 US dollars per year.

The director adds that private radio stations are asked to pay 20,000 US dollars and government radio stations pay 1500 dollars.

Fr Bazia explains that CRN stations are church non-profit radios which act majorly on religious grounds. He assures listeners not to give up due to the circumstance because CRN will continue to discuss with the government to resolve the issues amicably. He was speaking to Anisa Radio on Thursday in Yambio

Meanwhile Caritas South Sudan has made humanitarian appeal for 2018 to support the needy, says Director for the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio.

Fr John Ngbapia discloses that twenty percent of the one point seven million US dollars is realized, Anisa Radio reports.

He says some dioceses including Torit, Rumbek and Yei have already benefited.

“Other dioceses that have not yet received the emergency tools and seeds including Tombura-Yambio Catholic Diocese will have to follow”, the director explains.

Fr Ngbapia adds that during their three-day meeting in Juba, they realized the need to strengthen various dioceses to mobilize funds for all sisterly Caritas to support many people.

The fund Caritas South Sudan has got now is not enough to cover the needs of every individual diocese in this country, he reveals.

The director describes the meeting as very important because they discussed how to address their challenges together.

The priest was speaking to Anisa Radio on Monday after participating in Caritas South Sudan meeting in Juba last week.

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Rt. Rev. John Ryan, Bishop of Mzuzu

By Augustine Kambuzi, Correspondent

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu Rt. Rev. John Ryan, has urged farmers to fully get engaged in irrigation farming in the country saying that, this will help in eradicating hunger which is worsening in some parts of the country.

Bishop Ryan was speaking on Tuesday, 8^th, May, 2018 after touring sites where CADECOM Mzuzu Diocese is implementing a project with funding from Caritas Australia.

Speaking to the media in Mzimba district Bishop Ryan said that, if people can be involved in irrigation farming method, then they can have food to sustain their households and enhance development in their communities.

“As a country we have the potential to develop through agriculture sector. Our country has vast arable land that can be used for irrigation farming. The people therefore need to utilize irrigation measures in order to produce more crops for their households,” the Bishop said.

The Bishop also appealed to the government to assist the potential farmers in irrigation farming, saying that farmers need water pumps, fertilizer and many other farm inputs to help them carry out their agricultural initiatives successfully.

In her remarks the Programmes’ Coordinator at CADECOM National Office, Diana Mataya said the A+ project uses the Strength Based Approach which has helped communities to take a leading role in development of their community.

“We have seen that people in our catchment area are now able to understand the approach of the project which promotes the use of available resources to uplift their living standards. For instance, most farmers are now involved in irrigation farming, as we all know this year the rainfall pattern was very bad due to that, farmers have harvested very little and this has affected food production, but since these farmers are involved in irrigation farming the problem will be minimized.”.

The Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu through CADECOM with funding from Caritas Australia under the supervision of Episcopal Conference of Malawi is implementing a five year A+ project in the areas of Traditional Authority Jalavikuba at Katope in Mzimba and Traditional Authority Chisovya at Lukali and Chiskemba in Rumphi Districts where the project targets 1,500 households and the project ends in December 2021.

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Bishop Franzelli and Bishop Wanok (Center) pose for
a group photo with the Catholic communicators

Diocesan Communication coordinators and heads of Catholic Media institutions in Uganda last week converged in Nebbi Catholic Diocese for the Annual Communications Week meeting and celebration of the 2018 World Communications Day (WCD).

The annual meeting was held from 1^st -7^thMay, 2018 under the theme “The truth will set you free (Jn 8:32): Fake news and Journalism for Peace” as released by Pope Francis. The week-long event attracted over 50 Catholic communicators from all the five ecclesiastical provinces in Uganda and one communicator from Nakuru Diocese in Kenya. The Bishop Chairman of the Social Communications Commission, Rt. Rev Joseph Franzelli, who is also the Bishop of Lira Diocese was in attendance.

Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli
Bishop of Lira Diocese and
Chairman Communications Commission
Uganda Episcopal Conference
Speaking at the WCD celebration

While speaking during the opening ceremony, Bishop Franzelli called upon the communicators to desist from spreading fake news and information in their reporting.

“As communicators of Uganda, we are called upon to communicate the truth and desist from spreading poisonous news and lies which is rampant in today’s fast-changing world. It is our duty as a church to do so,” he said while emphasizing on the importance of truth in communication.

In his remarks, the Bishop of Nebbi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Linus Wanok, who attended the opening ceremony, noted that the world is taken up by fake news, which tends to threaten peace and sets one group against the other, and tribes against tribes.

He warned the communicators against careless reporting as it can be dangerous to the people receiving it. He further urged them to always verify facts before disseminating news to the public.

The Communicators also took part in a two-day Online Journalism training held from 2^nd– 3^rd, May, 2018. They were taken through various topics of discussion such as how to write for digital media/online journalism, the dangers of online journalism, how to verify information online and essential components of online journalism. The communicators also got a chance to learn how to update blogs: add articles, photos, videos, place a map and add a link in an article to curb fake news.

Bishop Franzelli also highlighted the Pope’s message for the 2018 WCD to the participants which emphasized the need to stemming the spread of fake news and to rediscovering the dignity of journalism and the personal responsibility of journalists to communicate the truth.

The Bishop told the communicators that Holy Father is asking them to take responsibility in their reporting and desist from spreading of disinformation online or in the traditional media.

“......It has to do with false information based on non-existent or distorted data meant to deceive and manipulate the reader. Spreading fake news can serve to advance specific goals, influence political decisions, and serve economic interests,” Bishop Franzelli read part of the Pope’s message.

Bishop Franzelli (center) and priests during the
Eucharistic celebration to mark the 52nd
World Communications Day

Meanwhile, one of the participants, Simon Byakatonda, the president of the Association of Catholic Communication Practitioners in Uganda (ACCPU) said it was his first time to attend the Communications Week.

He said that the church has many departments which cannot do without communication hence; the organizers should organize more training in future in line with journalism and communication to help the communications team.

“We have done online journalism, but it is not enough, people need to learn more, some don’t even know how to use computers and their phones. These people should be given basics on how to use computers,” he said.

He, however, noted that the training on ‘Online journalism’ was of great value to him as it filled in his knowledge gap in digital journalism.

Sr. Michelle Njeri from Nakuru Diocese in Kenya said she was glad to be part of the participants, although she had come to see how it is done in Uganda.

The week-long event concluded with the colourful celebration of the 2018 WCD at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Nebbi Diocese which was the climax of the Communications Week. The celebration was marked the 52nd WCD celebration at national level.

WCD is usually celebrated by the Catholic Church annually on the Sunday before Pentecost, however, the communicators in Uganda usually hold their national celebration in anticipation.

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Rev. Fr. Henry Saindi, Secretary General ECM

By: Stella Zulu, ECM

The Catholic Health Commissions of all the dioceses in the country have been urged to work together professionally and produce quality results during the implementation of the Action Aid funded program called Community TB Prevention and Care project.

The call was made by the Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Rev Fr. Henry Saindi at Linde Motel in Mponela, when he opened a three days induction workshop for Health commission staff from all dioceses and the national Office.

The workshop was organized by the National office with the aim of orienting the five dioceses joining the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, diocese of Mzuzu and Karonga in the implementation of the Program. This is due to the opportunity given to the church by Action Aid to implement the program in all the dioceses in the country.

In his remarks Fr. Saindi said the program which aims at reducing the impact of TB among rural Malawians is a huge responsibility entrusted to the church and therefore the dioceses should do what is expected of them in the best way they can and use the finances accordingly for the church to impact the lives of rural Malawians and compliment government efforts in addressing this health problem.

“It’s not a secret that TB is a major public health problem in Malawi as its prevalence rate is so

Participants

high. HIV remains the highest risk factor for developing active TB disease hence the reason Action Aid is focusing on both HIV and TB modules of which we are handling. Statistics show how serious TB is and how it calls for our serious interventions to mitigate this disease. I therefore urge all the dioceses to concentrate on what this program can do to improve the lives of the people the church is mandated to save,” Said Fr. Saindi

He encouraged the dioceses to be guided by the ECM 2018-2022 strategic framework which recognizes health as one of the challenges that undermine growth and development adding that, to have a healthy nation and develop the country, the church needs to implement preventive and curative interventions which is in line with the church’s mission of continuing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through the promotion of human life through non- discriminatory health services in rural and urban areas.

He also thanked the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, diocese of Mzuzu and Karonga for making ECM proud for the successful implementation of the program with the first grant during the first two years which has now enabled Action Aid to trust the Church with the second grant to implement the program at national level.

In her remarks, National health coordinator, Mrs. Bertha Magomero said the opportunity given to the church to implement the program at national level is a plus for the church urging the incoming diocese to emulate the good example of the other dioceses.

“This is a plus for the church as it can be seen that the church is doing a recommendable work and that we are a trusted partner. The program will help the people in rural areas to be reached with health services through sputum collection which is assessed and then provide medical services to the people with TB right in their areas. This will reduce the long distances people usually travel to access these services and the number of people screened and treated will increase,” Said Mrs. Magomero.

Community TB Prevention and Care project is a two years program implemented by all the eight Catholic dioceses in the country and ECM is a sub recipient of the Global fund grants channeled through Action Aid Malawi.

By Rose Achiego, KCCB

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, KCCB – Commission for Social Communication and Jesuit Hakimani Centre on 3^rd, May, 2018 launched a joint report of a study conducted after the hotly contested August 2017 presidential election followed by November 2017, repeat of presidential election after the nullification of the August results by the High Court.

In a report released by the Principal Researcher and Director of Jesuits Hakimani Centre Brother Dr. Elias Mokua SJ, it is not just the security agencies that have ensured peace in the country but also members of the public who pray for peace and justice and take action to ensure an environment that allows peace and justice to prevail in the country.

Dr. Mokua who is also the National Executive Secretary of Commission for Social Communications said that, findings indicate that on a trigger, Kenya could explode into a wave of violence especially due to the many unemployed youth who are well educated. He said that the respondents expressed strong confidence in the Church leadership in hope that the Church will make the elected leaders accountable to the people and unite individuals and communities.

Dr. Elias Mokua SJ

He said that according to the findings, national dialogue is the most preferred method of solving outstanding grievances and that there is need to include members of the public among other actors in the dialogue process. The content should include addressing concerns on tribalism, promotion of peace, fair distribution of resources and support for electoral justice and rule of law.

According to Dr. Mokua, the respondents strongly indicated that religious institutions are trusted to champion the dialogue and reconciliation process. However, some respondents expressed fear that the national dialogue will not amount to much due to lack of political goodwill, corruption and lack of personal commitment.

The questionnaires were sent to the small Christian communities in different Parishes across all the Dioceses in Kenya and in focus groups at the national level. It was noted that there is a major concern on the lack of respect for the rule of law and the study also showed that there are existing militia groups at various levels of the society.

Speaking at the conference The Kisumu Archbishop Zaccheaus Okoth appreciated the coming together of President Uhuru Kenyata and the former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga saying that, the two political leaders have given Kenyans an opportunity to bring their issues forward for genuine constructive discussions.

“Kenyans have an opportunity to discuss the agenda four that included long term issues of constitutional and institutional reforms, land reforms, poverty, inequality and regional imbalances,” Archbishop Okoth said.

Archbishop Zaccheaus Okoth

The Archbishop who is among the 14 Committee members appointed by the President and the Opposition leader after the handshake to steer the National Dialogue said, “We are at a time to make a resolution and have a determination to make a new Kenya. Something must be new, the people have to change, have a preferential for the poor, work for the common good, and tackle unemployment among the youth to be able to sustain themselves for national cohesion and unity.

He urged Kenyans to look at the country with confidence in the future and learn from the past experience promising to air the views shared by Kenyans in the report by the Catholic Church.

The Conference was also attended by Kakamega Bishop and the Chairman of KCCB – Commission for Social Communication Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi, Bishop Alfred Rotich, and Speaker of the Senate Hon. Kenneth Makelo Lusaka, other political leaders, the youth and participants from various peace and justice forums.

Photos of the devastating flood effects courtesy of the internet

SOURCE: Online News Agencies

As the death toll in the Subukia dam tragedy hits 41, 20 children have been confirmed dead so far, as rescuers searched for more people reported missing in the worst flood-related tragedy in the country since the heavy rains started this year.

Reports from Nakuru states that the tragedy occurred on Wednesdaynight when the Dam privately owned for irrigation and fish farming purposes burst and swept away homes and crops in nearby farms.

The rains that started in March have led to flooding and mudslides that have left close to 200 people dead and thousands more displaced.

Eye witness recounted of bodies of people--including young children hanging on cliffs or branches of trees that were felled by the floods from the dam.

The Kenya Red Cross estimates that up to 500 families are affected in the tragedy described by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi as a 'disaster who visited the scene of tragedy, where he announced that an investigation was underway.

The casualties are being treated at the Nakuru County Referral Hospital and Bahati Sub-County Hospital following the Wednesday night incident.

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Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa,
Bishop of Ngong Diocese
and Chairman of KCCB
Catholic Justice and Peace
Commission

Source: Waumini Communications Ltd, KCCB

Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa, Bishop of Ngong Diocese and chairman of KCCB-Catholic Justice and Peace Commission has expressed sympathy and deep sadness over the deaths and devastation of the families who have suffered the wrath of the disasters that are coming along with the heavy rains that are currently being witnessed in the country.

In a message sent to the press on Friday 11^th May, 2018, Bishop Oballa said that the Catholic Church in the country is deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the injured and the large-scale destruction created across the country of which the worst and shocking being the Nakuru-Solai Dam tragedy that has left more than 40 people dead and others untraceable.

Photos of the Effects of floods courtesy of the internet

“Our heartfelt condolences and well wishes also to those affected in Muranga, Kilifi, Lamu, Narok, Tana River among others. In these painful circumstances, I wish to express the solidarity and prayers of the Catholic Church in Kenya and our sincerest condolences to the relatives of the victims and to all those who are suffering the consequences of these many catastrophes. Our sympathy goes to you and to the people of the Kenya.”

Bishop Oballa further said that as the Church commends the good work being done by the disaster recovery teams on the ground, they are also calling upon responsible institutions and authorities to ensure safety of citizens by making sure that prescribed standards are adhered to and with no compromise at all times.

“We humbly request that both national and county governments to step up their initiatives in responding to such tragedies. We call upon all Kenyans and other people of goodwill to come out and help our brothers and sisters who are in need of our help.”

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AMECEA SCCs Interim Training Team with Representatives
from Youth Small Christian Communities together with
AMECEA Secretary General Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo
(Far left) at AMECEA Secretariat

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

The reality of establishing Youth Small Christian Communities, (YSCCs), a forum that gives young people an opportunity to come together and explore their spiritual growth is slowly gaining momentum in AMECEA. Already well established at Kenyatta University by Catholic students who are currently pursuing their academic dreams at the institution; and also at Holy Cross Parish Dandora in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Youth Small Christian Communities are not just some far away dream but a development that is sure to promote growth of Small Christian Communities among the young people.

According to Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, the AMECEA Pastoral Coordinator, the two model youth Christian communities are already working on a multimedia presentation to be made during the fifth workshop of the Network Small Christian Communities Africa, scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 13^th to 17^th September 2018. Among the objectives of the that workshop include to listen to the youth and learn from their experience in Small Christian Communities, to develop strategies of addressing young people through Small Christian Communities as well as to focus and discuss characteristics of Small Christian Communities in order to provide a groundwork for further networking.

“Part of the presentation made by these young people will inform the report to be presented as intervention to the youth Synod scheduled for October this year,” Fr. Chimombo said.

AMECEA Interim Training Team and Representatives
from Youth Small Christian Communities meeting at
AMECEA Secretariat on Friday 11th May 2018
to plan together

Following the meeting organized by AMECEA Pastoral Department for members of the AMECEA SCCs Interim Training Team and representatives from Youth Small Christian Communities from Holy Cross Parish Dandora and Kenyatta University at AMECEA Secretariat on Friday, 11^th April, 2018, the participants managed to review joint activities they plan to do in the near future.

Among the proposed activities of team include visiting Major Seminaries, Catholic Church institutions as well as dioceses, upon invitation to build their capacities on Small Christian Communities. Also the team proposed to make pilot study project on child protection for Small Christian Communities as an outreach program. They also intend to build capacities of the interim training team especially targeting new members within and outside Kenya as well as producing second edition of the Small Christian Communities Training handbook.

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By Sarah Pelaji, TEC

Rt. Rev. Flavian Kasala

Catholic Bishop of Geita, Tanzania Rt. Rev. Flavian Kasala has asked Parents to instill moral values in their children through holistic formation if they want to break away from the moral decadence among the youth in the society.

Speaking to AMECEA Online News Correspondent this week in Dar es Salaam, Bishop Kasala said, “Families are nurseries where Priests, Religious, Parents and Good Faithful come from.”

He said that Families have responsibility of giving early formation to their children before going to school or receiving Sacraments. “If they are properly formed then it will be easy for them to respond to their vocation,” he said.

Bishop Kasala stressed that as the Church in Tanzania celebrates 150 years of evangelization, she needs to urgently invest in family formation for a better future.

"There are growing tendencies in our society of youth not wanting to get married in the Church or Priests revoking their ministries and many others. These few occurrences should make us sit down and resolute on how best we could tackle the challenges,” he said.

Bishop Kasala however, commended the couples, parents, priests and religious men and women who are serious with their vocations. “We have seen stable marriages and families, brave Priests and Religious. The few who go contrary to their call to sanctity should not make us change church discipline which has been in existence for years,” he said.

Meanwhile, he reminded the faithful on the importance of adhering to Child protection policy confirming that, some members of the society still violated the law. He urged parents to be at the fore front in the fight against child abuse.

Source: CRN

The Catholic Diocese of Wau has proposed that the second Sunday of May be the day to commemorate Caritas Day annually. According to Voice of Hope Radio, Caritas Coordinator in the Diocese Rev. Fr. Moses Peter anticipated that the day be celebrated mainly for fundraising to help those in need.

Fr. Peter encouraged the faithful to mobilize enough funds for assisting the less fortunate in the society. “Caritas will only be able to avail basic needs to the needy if the Christians contribute more,” he said.

He promised that the collections during the Second Sunday of May in Wau, will be sent to Caritas office and eventually distributed to needy places in the dioceses.

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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Over 90 percent of the preparatory activities mandated to the host conference for the 19th AMECEA Plenary Assembly have been achieved. According to the Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat (ECS) Secretary General Very Rev. Abba Hagos Hayish, CM the bulk of preparatory activities have been accomplished and what is remaining is just the final touches.

According to a report he shared with AMECEA Executive Board, the Ethiopian Bishops Conference in December 2014 established Episcopal Preparatory Commission led by the Bishops themselves and chaired by H.E. Cardinal Berhaneyesus. “In January 2015 the main preparatory committee which is composed of 106 people and comprising of lay people, religious men and women, private individuals, volunteers and the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat National office was established.”

This was followed by the creation of different subcommittees charged with different responsibilities. They include liturgy, fundraising, logistics, hospitality and transportation subcommittees. Other subcommittees include public relations, Security, health, administration and finance, protocol subcommittee and finally art and culture subcommittee for the entertainment. All these establishments have contributed to the success of the preparatory committee.

The subcommittees have since been engaged in mobilizations, consultations, networking and extensive awareness creation of the historic event that is scheduled to take place in July this year.

“Step by step we have managed to reach a position where we can thankfully say that we are ready to host the 19^th AMECEA Plenary Assembly,” said Abba Hagos. “Although it took quite some time to develop and approve the AMECEA Plenary Assembly Logo as well as the prayer, we have managed to extensively promote the Plenary logo and the prayer in the dioceses, and throughout the country as well as with the government and the general public through the government media as well as private media in the country,” he elaborated.

Other promotion measures the conference have carried out for the 19^th AMECEA Plenary Assembly in the country where the Catholic Population is less than 1% includes: translation of the Plenary Assembly Prayer into about ten native languages in the country to enable the faithful from different dioceses to pray in their dialect. The secretariat has also produced billboards bearing the plenary Assembly logo and the theme and these are placed in strategic places within the capital city especially in the Catholic Church owned properties.

“We are also trying to work on vibrant diversity, equal dignity and peaceful unity in God in the AMECEA Region on the theme. We started to break this theme in different seminars and workshops in different parts of the country through the structure of ecclesiastical jurisdictions in Ethiopia but also where other public could join us in the discussion,” Abba Hagos explained.

Speaking to AMECEA Online News in Addis Ababa the logistic Coordinator of the event, Getahum Tafesse said that they have identified some volunteers who have international experience in hosting delegates to be part of their team. The volunteers who will fully be engaged in the plenary will undergo short training to familiarize themselves with the nature of the event on how to receive the delegates, take care of them from the time of arrival to their departure.

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Participants of the Caritas Zambia and Participatory
Ecological Land Use Management Workshop

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZCCB Communications Officer

Caritas Zambia and Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) have co-hosted a workshop to discuss the seed sector in Zambia.

The workshop held at Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)’s Kapingila House in Lusaka from 15th, to 16th May, 2018 analysed the social, economic and political study outcome on the use of indigenous maize variety.

Speaking during the workshop, Caritas Zambia’s program officer for Livelihoods and Climate Change Adaptation Musamba Mubanga said Zambia’s maize seed industry is currently one of the strongest and most competitive cereal crops in Sub-Sahara Africa a reason why a link between the formal and informal seed systems should be established.

“There is need to establish a link between the formal and informal seed systems where both private seed enterprises and public institutions have to play an active role in the preservation of local seed variety that is threatened with extinction,” she said.

Ms. Musamba explained that the preservation of local seed variety will help in food security because it is adaptive to climate change unlike the hybrid.

She revealed that the workshop recommended that in order to ensure that seed enterprises are responding to the farmers needs, Government should consider regaining control of such schemes.

“Government could for example throw a majority of shares in the enterprises. These enterprises would be structured in a way that farmers participate, encourage seed diversity, food and nutrition security as well as reduce monopoly by multinationals. This is important in developing seeds based on the diverse conditions and needs of small scale farmers, reducing poverty and creating employment, which according to the findings is not being realized within the seed sector,” she disclosed.

Participants at the workshop recommended to government to provide incentives to local seed companies promoting traditional and indigenous seed that wish to venture into the seed sector to enable farmers participate in the seed sector and enhance indigenous crop diversity for food security.

Other recommendations were that government take deliberate steps to ensure transparency in all business operations in the seed sector; to invest more in the creation of markets of diverse crops which may perform better than maize, such as small grains like millet and sorghum, and traditional vegetables; and carrying out research in order to establish the effectiveness of government in regulating and monitoring the seed sector in Zambia.

The workshop attracted 36 participants from Academia, Government departments, Civil Society Organisations, Private sector and farmers.

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ECM Representatives and APAM Members during the meeting

By: Stella Zulu, ECM

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has assured people living with albinism of her full and continued support and protection of their lives, thereby condemning the killing of such persons as a grave violation of the sanctity of life which the Catholic Church promotes.

Speaking on behalf of ECM during a meeting with the Executive Board of the Association of People living with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), Archbishop of Lilongwe Most Rev. Tarsizio G. Ziyaye, stressed that the aim of the meeting was to create an opportunity for the Conference to assure all persons with albinism, through their Association of the Catholic Church’s commitment to protect and defend the sanctity of life.

The meeting between ECM and APAM was necessitated by the arrest of Rev. Fr. Thomas Muhosha, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Zomba who was suspected of involvement in the killing of McDonald Masambuka, a person with albinism in Machinga District. In his remarks, Bishop of Zomba Rt. Rev. George Tambala, informed the meeting that the Catholic Church received the news with sadness and shock.

“As local ordinary of the diocese, the priests and the Catholic faithful, we received the news with devastation. Up to now, no one understands how and why Fr. Muhosha got involved into this matter”, said Bishop Tambala.

However, Bishop Tambala stated that it is the desire of the Catholic Church in Malawi to see that due processe of the law is followed and that the truth about the matter is established.

This has been the call of the Church as indicated in separate statements issued by the Diocese of Zomba, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and the ECM released soon after the arrest of Fr. Muhosha, in which the police officers were urged to thoroughly investigate the matter and that the Church is ready to offer any support they might need to effectively do their work.

Responding to the Catholic Bishops’ assurance, the National Coordinator of APAM, Mr. Boniface Massah commended the ECM for organizing such a meeting. He however, requested the ECM to ensure that CCJP takes necessary steps in making sure that the issue is handled with the justice it deserves aware of high levels of corruption in matters like these, where in the presence of overwhelming evidence, justice fails to take its course.

Citing the project in Machinga which is being implemented by CCJP whose main objective is to improve the lives of persons with albinism and another one in Dedza on popularization of the Anatomy Act, APAM President, Mr. Overton Kondowe said such programmes would ensure that the rights of people with albinism are enjoyed by everyone. However, he stated that all along, he has considered the Church as a strong advocate in the defense of human life; it was very shocking to hear that high profile people such as a policeman and a priest were linked to the killing of McDonald Masambuka. He, then, asked ECM to support APAM’s efforts in ensuring that corruption does not derail the prosecution of the case.

Meanwhile, His Worship Rev. Peter Kandulu, the Board Chairperson of APAM assured the members present that the case involving Fr. Muhosha, an individual could not be generalized to the entire Catholic Church. Rev. Kandulu said that the Church has always been and still remains the advocate and defender of human life.

He then requested ECM to support the Masambuka family, to consider coming up with a team of independent co-investigators and co-prosecutors to support both the police and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, hold frequent meetings to discuss issues affecting the lives of people with albinism, and apart from highlighting their issues in pastoral letters, to talk about these issues from time to time.

The Bishops concluded by assuring the members of APAM that the Church is committed to ensuring that their requests are adequately attended to.

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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

AMECEA Secretary General Very Rev. Father (Fr.) Ferdinand Lugonzo, has indicated that the theme of the 19^th AMECEA Plenary Assembly, which is scheduled for July, 2018 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, has been shaped by the persistent Conflict in the region.

Speaking during the AMECEA Board meeting in Ethiopia on 17^th, May, 2018, Fr. Lugonzo explained that the persistent conflict in the region is manifested in the huge numbers of refugees in the region, the reality of migration and the long standing poor political situation which exists between Eritrea and Ethiopia; not forgetting the internal wars in South Sudan and the social political situation in Sudan as well as the lack of peace in the wider Great Lakes Region within which some of the membership of AMECEA lies; in addition to this is the problem of terrorism and to some extent the apparent fundamentalism in the region.

Based on these realities, the theme for 19^thAMECEA Plenary Assembly is Vibrant Diversity, Equal Dignity and Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region. “So basically in a way we are directing the 19^thAMECEA Plenary Assembly delegates to think in the direction of these problems as we make the reflections during the study session.”

Participants in the AMECEA Board Members Meeting
together with AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly Preparatory
Committee in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Fr. Lugonzo further explained that one of the objectives of AMECEA was to help study progress of common interests in the Catholic Church in Eastern Africa and to suggest possible solutions and coordinated actions for the member Episcopal conferences. Through the years the objective has been at the heart of the section of themes for plenary assemblies. According to him, ordinarily themes are selected by AMECEA Executive board after careful study of the emerging issues in the region and in consultation with heads of AMECEA Institutions.

He further expressed that the 19^th AMECEA Plenary Assembly therefore wish to carry out an in-depth study of causes and manifestations of conflict in the region in order to come up with concrete practical resolutions that would help the Church become more proactive in responding to conflicts in the region.

“Ultimately through this theme AMECEA is actually calling all the players in the reality of conflicts to acknowledge the diversity within the region, appreciate and promote primordial human dignity so that all may be committed towards working for peace and unity in the region. Key to the realization of all these aspects enshrined in this theme is the fact that we are all sons and daughters of the same creator, God the Father of all the citizens of AMECEA Region,” he explained.

Consequently in order to help the delegates to exhaust their reflections on the theme of the AMECEA Plenary Assembly, there shall be five key presentations to help the Bishops make decisions regarding the way forward for the Church in the AMECEA Region. Usually there are two sessions that makes up the AMECEA plenary assembly, these includes the study session that would reflect on the theme and the business session where reports are given and elections of the heads of AMECEA Institutions are conducted.

∼End∼

AMECEA Executive Board Members During their
Meeting in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

AMECEA Executive Board members have expressed satisfaction with the preparatory work done by the host conference of AMECEA 19^thPlenary Assembly. Ethiopian Bishops Conference is scheduled to host for the first time in the history of AMECEA, the 19^th Plenary Assembly whose theme is Vibrant Diversity, Equal dignity, Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region.

The board members expressed these sentiments during their meeting in Addis Ababa Ethiopia with preparatory committees from both AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi and the Preparatory committee members from Ethiopian Bishops Conference.

Millennium Hall, Venue of the Opening Ceremony
of AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly

The work done by the two preparatory committees was evident from the reports given by AMECEA Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo and Secretary General of Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat (ECS) Very Rev. Abba Hagos Hayis.

According to Fr. Lugonzo, among the tasks that have successfully been accomplished by AMECEA Secretariat included the generation of a concept paper which will guide the whole plenary assembly and help with the understanding of what the plenary is about as well as the theme.

“The concept paper was also to give guidance to those who are preparing presentations on the various topics so that they are within the context of the theme,” Fr. Lugonzo explained adding that the concept paper was raised and was actually endorsed by the steering committee at the AMECEA Secretariat and has been shared by those who will be making presentations.

Fr. Lugonzo also confirmed that the majority of the delegates invited have confirmed participation and the logistic team at AMECEA Secretariat is currently compiling the list of all delegates expected to attend the Plenary Assembly. Among the delegates expected to attend the Plenary Assembly includes all the patrons of AMECEA, representatives from USCCB, Missio Aachen, Missio Munich, CAMECO, Church-in-Need, CAFOD, Miserior, Porticus Africa, Healey Foundation, CRS, International Medical Missionary Skills, Prefect of the Congregation of the Catholic Education, Congregation of Propagation of Faith, Dicastery on Promotion of Integral Human development, Prefect for the Congregation for Oriental Churches, Italian Bishops Conference, President for the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, Radio Vatican, SECAM as well as neighboring Bishops conferences of Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and IMBISA.

AMECEA Executive Board Members, Heads of AMECEA Institutions,
Staff from AMECEA Secretariat and Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat
Outside the Venue of AMECEA Plenary Assembly Meeting

The Secretary General of AMECEA also explained that they are co-fundraising with the host conference and the efforts are so far encouraging although they are yet to meet their targets. “We applied for funds from nine various partners and the response has been quite encouraging. We therefore greatly appreciate all those who have supported us while at the same time we remain open to all those who are willing to partner with us in this important event of our region,” Fr. Lugonzo said.

According to the Secretary General of Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat Rev. Abba Hagos, the activities the conference was mandated with included preparation for the liturgical vestments which is spearheaded by the Liturgy Subcommittee and the work is almost finalized. The Liturgical vestments including the stole and the chasublebearing Ethiopian Cross and the AMECEA Logo for the clergy as well as the choir vestments

Inside the Conference for the AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly

He further explained that the Liturgy Subcommittee is also preparing the Missal for the Eucharistic celebrations as well as the morning and evening prayers. The Conference has also identified and confirmed places for the opening and closing Mass where by the opening Mass will be at the Ethiopian Millennium hall which is a government facility with a capacity of more than 30,000 people while the closing Mass will be held at the Nativity Cathedral in Addis. The plenary Assembly Meeting will take place at the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Bishops and Cardinals will be accommodated at one of the hotels while the rest of the delegates will be accommodated at various Catholic Church facilities such seminaries, religious congregation facilities.

During the AMECEA Board meeting which took place from 15^thto 19^th May, 2018, the board members had the opportunity to visit all the already identified and confirmed venues for the various activities during the plenary assembly as well as the hotel where Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops will be residing during the period.

Having interacted with management committees of these venues, the AMECEA Executive Board members expressed their satisfaction and are highly looking forward to a smoothly running and successful plenary Assembly.

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Rt. Rev. David Kamau, Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi
leads faithful from the Archdiocese in Tree Planting

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB

The Archdiocese of Nairobi through the initiative of John Cardinal Njue and the Nairobi Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau, prompted by the invitation of Pope Francis in his Encyclical Letter “Laudato Si” that calls for everyone through the Catholic bishops and pastors in the world to care for Mother Home, has launched one million tree planting campaign.

Pope Francis in the encyclical reaches out to everyone as the letter states, “I urgently appeal for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation that includes everyone since the environmental changes we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all… Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation.”

Speaking on 12th, May, 2018 at Loreto Girls High school in Limuru where he lead students and environmentalists in planting trees, Rt. Rev. David Kamau said that, “following the Pope’s appeal to care for our common home mother earth, I join him in encouraging each one of us to actively contribute in every possible way to honor God’s command of being stewards and masters of his creation.”

Bishop Kamau noted with concern that, Kenyans are experiencing the effects of environmental changes owing to the recent adverse rainfalls that have caused havoc in various parts of the country. Since March, flooding has caused displacement of more than 500,000 people and 72,000 reported dead.

He added that worldwide people are experiencing consequences of environmental changes that includes: poor climatic conditions, challenges of health, hunger, global warming, shortage of water and food among others.

“All these are contributed by our negligence to care for the environment. Let us create a difference where we are by planting trees, conserving water catchment areas, making our environment clean and green once again for future generations,” Bishop Kamau advised.

Addressing the Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the Holy Father reminded the delegates that planting trees is safeguarding the richly biodiverse lungs of our planet; an invitation to continue the battle against phenomena like deforestation, pollution, poaching, soil erosion and desertification.

“The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all”; “climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods; it represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day,” The Pontiff said.

With the leadership of Bishop Kamau through the Archdiocese of Nairobi Office of the Education Secretary headed by Rev. Fr. Francis Kiarie and with the assistance of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Education and Religious education led by Augusta Muthigani, five thousand indigenous trees were planted in various Catholic Schools in Kiambu County.

The Archdiocese of Nairobi tree planting day also coincided with the National tree planting day where the Kenyan President His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the National Tree planting day and launched the government’s 1.8 billion tree planting campaign at the Moi Forces Academy, Eastleigh Nairobi.

Speaking at the event, President Kenyatta highlighted that forests and environment were in close relation to climatic patterns, concurring with Bishop Kamau that, the changing weather being witnessed in the country had been as a result of neglect of the environment, and it was upon all Kenyans irrespective of status, to heed the call and plant trees countrywide.

“Environment is the foundation of development, and it can no longer continue being taken for granted. I challenge all of us to step up and ensure that by 2022 the nation achieves and even surpasses the 10 per cent forest cover,” he said.

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The Aftermath of the flood devastation in Nakuru

By Catholic Mirror, KCCB

The Bishop of Nakuru, Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba has called on all the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru drawn for the 50 parishes across the diocese and other well-wishers to generously contribute to help the Solai Dam victims as they come to terms with tragedy that has left at least 45 people dead, and over 100 others homeless and devastated.

Bishop Muhatia made this special appeal during the celebrations to mark the World Communications day in the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru on 12th, May 2018. “I personally went there and saw the destruction caused by the dam where many people lost their lives and properties destroyed. I appeal to you all to give a special contribution from 13th, May 2018, to the Sunday of Pentecost, which will be on 20th, May 2018. This can be in form of finances, food, clothing, blankets and in any other way that you can to help the Victims,” said the Bishop.

In a report dated, 11th, May, 2018, sent to Caritas office in Nakuru by the Member of the County Assembly of Kabazi, Solai, Dr. Peter Mbae, all the missing persons have been accounted for.

Dr. Mbae appealed for contribution for basic items that includes; warm clothes both for children and adults, unisex shoes, powder milk for kids, sanitary towels, tissue papers, medicated soaps and detergents, bathing basins utensils and building materials.

Bishop Muhatia said that the Caritas office will coordinate this activity to ensure whatever is contributed from the 50 parishes benefits the Victims. He prayed to the Lord to give the victims comfort during this difficult moment and to rest the souls of those who died following the tragedy in peace.

Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia, Bishop of Nakuru

The Bishop also asked members of the public to cease sharing photos of dead bodies of Solai victims as they are causing more harm and pain to their loved ones. “How does it help by sharing photos of nude bodies of children and adults? He asked, calling on all people to respect the dignity of a human person and instead start giving a positive image of what is being done on the ground.

Bishop Muhatia, appealed to the faithful to pray for Mansukul Patel the owner of the Solai Dam. “ He May be suffering from the tragedy, he needs our prayers said the Bishop adding that it is easy for everyone to blame him and forget that previously he helped the people of Solai.

Let us ask God to open our hearts that instead of always looking at the negatives in the society, that we may also see the good that other people do.

The destruction which occurred on the night of Wednesday,9th, May 2018, swept away Cars, buildings, electric poles, crops and trees leaving the area completely deserted.

So far five schools affected have been closed. In his report, Dr.Mbae indicates that two schools have been directly affected by the floods and the other three, many pupils who lost their parents and family members have been affected hence hindering learning. He added that plans are underway to compensate members who lost their property during the tragedy. “All the affected persons have been profiled and registered in order to get compensation for losses incurred,” said the area MCA in his report.

At the same time the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed deep sadness over the tragedy that has caused destruction of land and properties and left many people dead and others untraceable.

“In these painful circumstances, I wish to express the solidarity and prayers of the Catholic Church in Kenya and our sincerest condolences to the relatives of the victims and to all those who are suffering the consequences of these many catastrophes. Our sympathy goes to you and to the people of Kenya,” read the statement,” signed by the Vice Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and Chairman KCCB-Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa .

Bishop Obala commended the good work being done by the disaster recovery teams on the ground. He called upon responsible institutions and authorities to always ensure safety of citizens by making sure that prescribed standards are adhered to and with no compromise at all times.

“We humbly request both national and county governments to step up their initiatives in responding to such tragedies.”

The bishop called upon all Kenyans and other people of goodwill to come out and help their brothers and sisters who are in need of help.

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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

In a move to fully embrace the implementation of Child Nurturing and Protection Policy, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia on 22^nd May 2018, officially launched the Ethiopian Catholic Church Child Nurturing and Protection Policy in a ceremony that also included the approval of the council members for the program as well as the commissioning of diocesan child nurturing and protection policy focal persons from all the 13 dioceses in the country.

The event took place during the 44^thordinary plenary of Ethiopian Catholic Bishops and was held in Addis Ababa at the Bishops’ Conference Centre. According to the Secretary General of Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat (ECS) Rev Abba Hagos Hayish, CM, all the Ethiopian Catholic Church Child Nurturing and Protection policy council or committee members, the diocesan child nurturing and protection policy focal persons, all the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat staff as well as staff from the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa signed the code of conduct in front of the bishops.

Abba Hagos explained that the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops conference received communication from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in May 2011 requesting them to develop the child protection policy.

According to that guideline the Bishops conference reflected on the issue during their plenary after which they mandated the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat (ECS) to work on child protection policy.

In November 2011 ECS presented the policy to the Bishops during their subsequent plenary meeting and the draft was approved. Following the approval of the draft, the Child protection Policy was mandated to Woman and Child Affairs Department at the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission for dissemination and awareness creation through workshops. A copy of the draft policy was also sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith on which a response came back in 2013 with a few recommendations.

In 2016, the Bishops proposed the review of the 2011 Draft policy, working for the recommendation through the team established under the ECS Secretary General.

The team had an opportunity to attend the 15-days training workshop organized by AMECEA Pastoral Department in Malindi Kenya in February 2017. According to Abba Hagos, the workshop proved quite instrumental in the revision of Child Protection Policy for the Ethiopian conference which was eventually approved by Ethiopian Catholic Bishops Conference in July 2017.

The conference has since developed a structure that stands by itself but, directly accountable to the Bishops’ conference through the Secretary-General. This included the establishment of the National Office as well as the appointment of the Officer for the Child Nurturing and Protection which took place in January 2018.

“In the last three months the office has been developing activity plan for the next three years as well as sharing the concept paper with partners for funding purpose,” Abba Hagos said adding that the office has already raised fund for a one-year activities plan. Part of these activities included the official launching of Policy by the conference.

“While we are implementing the structures where report can be reviewed and can be channelled towards responsible body, we are also focusing on creating knowledge and the understanding of the child protection that minors have to be respected and their dignity upheld,” said Abba Hagos adding that Since the Ethiopian Government has also come up with a child protection policy, the Catholic Church intends to partner with it and other stake holders to ensure that the mission is accomplished.

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Source: CRN

The Diocesan Administrator in the Catholic Dioceses of Malakal says, the Christian faith is still surviving and flourishing despite of the unrest the people of Malakal Diocese are experiencing in the past years.

He said many people were receiving sacraments something which he termed it as a good sign that things are getting better slowly but promising.

“It gives hope to see that people are going back to their towns and continue with normal life. Towns like Bor, Malakal and others in the upper Nile region were abandoned due to conflict but citizens are now coming back”, he said.

Monsignor Taban said that there are challenges facing the diocese but as Christians, they should not loss hope. “It is important always to be a sign of hope to the hopeless,” he said.

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Some of the Deacons who were ordained during the Celebration

By Augustine Kambuzi Banda

The Vice chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Karonga Rt. Rev. Martin Anwell Mtumbuka has urged the newly ordained deacons to be always obedient to their superiors and the entire Catholic Church.

Speaking on Saturday, 19^th May, 2018 in Zomba after deaconate ordination of 12 seminarians, Bishop Mtumbuka noted with regret that, misconduct and disobedience of some clergy men are tinting the church’s image sounding out a warning that such behaviours will not be tolerated in the church.

The Bishop said, “I will not hesitate to point out, the disobedience and misconduct of some priests, we found ourselves in difficult situations sometimes as Bishops due to a priests’ disobedience. This is not the order in the Catholic Church and it must stop.”

He added that, “If you know you can’t be obedient enough please, the door is open leave now, go and find yourself another life. Jesus was obedient to God, and you shall also be to your superiors.”

Bishop Mtumbuka also advised the newly ordained deacons and all priests to live a model life and to avoid a scandalous life which may lead to loose of faith in some Christians pleading with the young deacons to be exemplary at all cost in their vocational life to help people find salvation.

“What you do, should reflect your vocational life. My brothers and sisters if we are not careful Christians will run away from our church, because we are living a bad example, at all cost refrain from scandalous life,” he said.

He encouraged the clergy to embrace prayer to shield them from falling into temptations. “We can avoid all these things through prayer, a priest who does not pray cannot succeed in his ministry, Jesus prayed at all times. I urge you to be prayerful so that you can serve God properly”.

Bishop Mtumbuka also urged parents and family members, to change the mind-set of high expectation of financial support once a deacon is ordained a priest stating that, such mentality drives most priests into financial difficulties which deteriorates their effort to evangelize.

The 12 new deacons awaiting priestly ordination come from different parishes of Arch diocese of Blantyre and Lilongwe, Karonga, Zomba, Dedza and Chikwawa dioceses.

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