AMECEA NEWS

By Makeda, Communications Coordinator, ECS

The Ethiopian Catholic Church lauds the peace initiative between Ethiopia and Eritrea and joins in the welcoming ceremony of the Eritrean high-level delegation that arrived in Addis Ababa on June 26, 2018 to engage in peace talks with the Ethiopian Government.

The Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA) who is President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia and the Archbishop of Metropolitan Addis Ababa His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus, C.M., and was among those who warmly welcomed the delegation in a process that was led by Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The High-level Eritrean delegation comprised of two officials; Eritrean Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Osman Salih, and special advisor to Mr. Isaias Afewerki, the Eritrean President H.E. Mr. Yemane Gebreab.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus, C.M., termed the occasion a happy moment for the Catholic Church in Ethiopia and Eritrea as the Catholic faithful in both countries have been praying for peace since the conflict started. According to His Eminence the Catholic Church has served as a bridge during all the years of standoff through the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia and Eritrea who

was meeting until recently to discuss the life of the Church in both countries which has continued until the Holy Father decided to establish a Metropolitan Sui Iuris Church of Asamara.

“I thank the Catholic faithful in Ethiopia and Eritrea and those who are in the Diaspora for continuously praying for peace. I would like to congratulate them for we have received answers to our prayers. This is a first step to sustainable peace and I ask you to continue praying that with God’s grace this initiative may be successful. I invite all Catholic Faithful in both countries to pray for the governments of both countries that God my lead and bless the discussions they are holding to resolve the problem,” asked the Cardinal to the faithful.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus added that the level of welcoming ceremony organized for the delegation shows how committed the Ethiopian government is in ensuring that peace and harmony prevail between the two countries. He noted that it is important to look into the wisdom of the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea in bringing about sustainable peace adding that, Ethiopians and Eritreans are great people who in history have contributed a lot in bringing peace in other countries, and they are capable of solving their own problems.

“I believe we don’t need to look for help anywhere else in bringing peace among our countries, if we collaborate we can find solutions to our problems ourselves. Let us pray to God that He may guide us in the road for peace. Now in our countries it is the rainy season and traditionally we say the coming season in September is a season of bright hope – let us pray we will get much more good news in this coming season of hope,” said Cardinal Berhaneyesus.

Religious leaders, Ethiopian elders, artists and other important figures were all waiting for the Eritrean delegation as they arrived in Ethiopia. Flags of both countries and posters with welcoming messages were hanged on the streets of the Capital city. It is the first time in 20 years that a high-level Eritrean delegation has come to Ethiopia. Eretria is also one of the member countries of AMECEA.

~End~

SOURCE: Online News Agency

For the first time in 20 years a high-level Eritrean delegation, led by Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, arrived in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa for talks on ending the decades-long conflict between the two countries.

The Eritrean delegation, led by Mr Saleh, was welcomed earlier on Tuesday by Mr Abiy in the capital Addis Ababa, where a red carpet was rolled out and the visitors were offered garlands of flowers.

The arrival of an Eritrean delegation to Ethiopia is a major step towards mending relations between neighbours in the Horn of Africa. The Diplomatic ties have been cut between the two countries for almost 20 years.

According to Online News Agencies the meeting is just one of a series of reforms the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, His Excellency Abiy Ahmed, who became prime minister after his predecessor resigned in February, has enacted since he took over power.

The Ethiopia's prime minister said he would accept a peace deal awarding Eritrea disputed territory.

Speaking for Ethiopia, Mr Abiy said: "Let this dispute conclude with this generation. Let the era of love and reconciliation commence."

In November last year AMECEA Bishops, led by AMECEA Vice Chairman, Most Rev Thomas Msusa embarked on a solidarity visit to Eritrea in order to express their solidarity with the Church in Eritrea in their concerns and challenges.

In their statement, AMECEA Bishops reiterated their role which is one of agendas in the fourth coming AMECEA Plenary especially in reflecting upon the role of religious leaders and churches in bringing about reconciliation and lasting peace between the two countries and the entire AMECEA region.

Eritrea won independence from Ethiopia in 1993.

By: Stella Zulu, ECM

Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi, known for mission work of promoting and helping people understand the missionary work of the church through prayer, offering and service , came to the rescue of Nakalanzi health Centre in Ntakataka parish of Dedza diocese through its financial support that was used to build a hospital building for newborn children.

The Hospital building financed by PMS

The building which was built with money amounting to three million kwacha from holy childhood funds is now being used as a maternity wing and a children’s ward, as the old building at the Centre is undergoing maintenance due to its dilapidated condition.

Speaking as he supervised the PMS projects by national and diocesan directors as part of PMS council meeting activities, PMS National Director in Malawi, Rev. Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa said as PMS, they were satisfied with the work that was done as one could not believe that the building was built with the amount of money that was set aside for its completion.

“The building should encourage children and Parents from this diocese to develop the spirit of helping other children as the money that was used to build this hospital building was donated by children from other countries. This means that the money that was given was well spent and it has produced results. I encourage other directors to continue researching on what children are lacking and submit their request to the Holy Father in Rome who has children’s needs at heart and does not hesitate to help them.” Said Fr. Mwakhwawa

He acknowledged that the church is already doing a lot to help people at Nakalanzi and other

PMS Directors and Staff members with Patients

areas. He however expressed regret that, the government is not providing other services like electricity and good roads which the hospital lacks. This has been said to be due to the fact that the place belongs to Catholics and the church should provide everything, which is denying people in the area the right to development they deserve.

In her remarks, Sr. Getrude Livila who represented Sr. Joyce Matchumbuza who is the in charge of the hospital, thanked PMS for the financial support they gave. She also thanked Fr. Madeya, PMS Director of Dedza diocese for choosing Nakalasi health Center as one of the beneficiaries of PMS projects.

“The Building has helped the hospital to continue offering its services as it could have closed due to lack of a building to operate from because the old one is in bad condition and it is going through maintenance work. Challenges faced by Nakalasi health Centre include lack of beddings for patients and inadequate medicine because as a Mission hospital, we help people especially from rural areas at very low charges,” Said Sr. Livila

Fr. Madeya, PMS Director of Dedza diocese said the building should be an encouragement to Christians to encourage children by giving them enough money to give at church so that they should one day also provide for other needy children. He also thanked the in charge of the hospital, Sr. Matchumbuza for ensuring that the money that was given to them was utilized for the intended purpose.

The PMS second council meeting took place at Chitsulo lodge in Salima district of Dedza diocese from 19 to 23 June. During this meeting, the Directors among other activities, presented reports from national office and dioceses, evaluated Vocations Sunday celebrations, discussed preparations for World Mission Sunday and extraordinary month and supervised PMS projects in the diocese.

By Sarah Pelaji, TEC

Bishop Gervacy Nyaisonga (centre) and Bishop Flavian
Kassala (right). Left is Bishop is the outgoing President
Bishop Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa

Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has gotten a new President and Secretary General following an election which was held at the conclusion of bishops’ ordinary Plenary Assembly held on the 23^rd, June, 2018 in Sumbawanga Diocese.

The announcement was made by the Outgoing President Rt. Rev. Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa of Iringa Diocese during the ordination and installation of Rt. Rev. Beatus Urassa, as the new Bishop of Sumbawanga on 24^th, June, 2018.

Bishop of Mpanda Diocese Rt. Rev. Gervacy Nyaisonga has been elected a New President, while Rt. Rev. Flavian Kassala of Geita Diocese becomes the Vice President, a position which was held by Most Rev. Beatus Kinyaiya of Dodoma Diocese.

Ordination of Rt Rev Beatus URASA

The Bishops also appointed Rev. Dr. Charles Kitima as the Secretary General of TEC taking over from Very Rev. Raymond Saba who served the Secretariat for 6 years.

Bishop Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa urged all the Catholic Faithful in the country to offer their support to the new team.

The installation cerebration was also attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, Most Rev, Marek Solczyński, government officials among other dignitaries.

Mwenya Mukuka, ZCCB Communications Officer

Bishop George Lungu, ZCCB President

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) have pledged to take lead in the national dialogue and reconciliation process being called for in the country.

In a communiqué released yesterday, the Church bodies said that they are taking up the responsibility as a calling from God to reconcile the nation in order to bring peace and harmony among God’s children in Zambia saying in so doing, ‘they neither seek political mileage nor publicity’.

The Church Mother Bodies said they have learnt from the recent past in which the country’s political leaders failed to abide by what was agreed upon during the Inter-Party Dialogue meeting held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on 29^th, March, 2016, which the Church organized in order to respond to the many electoral and human right issues that were troubling the nation at that time.

The Pastoral leaders have since attributed the current state of political division and socio-economic decline in Zambia to failure by leaders across the political divide to abide by the very commitments they made to end political violence, and the misapplication of the Public Order Act and electoral corruption.

They stated that they are aware of the immense expectations and trust people have put on the Church in Zambia to lead the much talked about dialogue and reconciliation process.

They have however refused to be drawn into the discourse of who should lead the process and which other religious organizations should be part and parcel of the leadership in facilitating the dialogue and reconciliation process.

Despite this, the Church Mother Bodies said they will draw valuable lessons learnt from their historical success in 1991, they brought Dr. Kenneth Kaunda of UNIP and Dr. Fredrick Chiluba of MMD to a round table dialogue meeting at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka which resulted into Zambia welcoming the multiparty dispensation in a peaceful manner without bloodshed.

~End~

By Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA

The AMECEA Pastoral department organized one-day training to Secretariat staffs on the need to have child safeguarding standards in institutions.

The training which took place on Tuesday 26, June at the AMECEA secretariat, was attended by all the AMECEA staffs together with the heads of various departments.

According to the AMECEA Pastoral Coordinator Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, the necessity to develop child protection policies was impelled by the request from the Holy Father Pope Francis.

“The background of this, is that the Holy Father through the Pontifical Commission for Protection of Minors, directed that all Conferences and Church Institutions should come up with policies on the protection of minors,” Fr. Chimombo explained adding, “there was some form of neglect in some parts of the world and the Catholic Church was affected by that. Therefore, AMECEA being a Church institution, we are not spared.”

Even though conferences are independent Institutions, uniformity on common issues is key in developing policies to protect children. “All conferences and dioceses are autonomous, but as members of one family especially within AMECEA region, we took the initiative to ensure that there is uniformity especially on issues that are quite common within the region, so that all conferences can have a common guiding tool,” recalls Fr. Chimombo who was also the convener of the training.

The facilitator for the day Ms. Isabel de Bruin Cardiso, instructed the staffs on why institutions should play a key role in safeguarding of children, and why children should be protected.

“Child safeguarding is a role that organization’s play to ensure that they do not harm the children. The staffs’ from various departments in an organization have different roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children,” Isabel said and explained further, “the more vulnerable a child is, the greater the chance of them being exposed to risk, and the higher chances their protection is being violated.”

Besides the different responsibilities of staffs, the other key objective of the training was on the safeguarding roles which the organizations should know when developing effective policies.

In her remarks, the facilitator explained to the staffs that when designing policies, it is necessary to identify where child risks can normally occur so that with such awareness, they can develop effective policies. She focused on four key safeguarding roles which need to be considered during policy formulation. These include;

Policy- This describes how the organization responds to the harm of children appropriately. Through policies the risk to harm of children is controlled. Implementation of policy is easier if it takes into consideration the context where it works.

People-This involves people who make Institutions. Policy identifies roles and responsibilities for different people within the organization.

Procedures- This dictates how organizations respond and implement policies.

Accountability- This is for the whole team. It reflects on how an organization implements safeguarding measures and how it is being monitored and the extent to which safeguarding discussions are being facilitated.

Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, I.M.C.,
Bishop of Marsabit

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

The Catholic Bishop of Marsabit Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara has strongly condemned the rampant corruption in the country calling upon citizens to be mindful of the needs of others and to promote equitable sharing of country’s resources among citizens.

In his Homily at Consolata Shrine in Nairobi on 17^th June, 2018 during the Eucharistic Celebrations to mark the feast day of our Lady Consolata and to celebrate the beatification of Blessed Sr. Leonnela Sgorbati, Bishop Kihara recalled that at independence, Kenyan’s first president said that country had three enemies to battle with, this included illiteracy, diseases and poverty. The Bishop observed that unfortunately from 1963 up to date, instead of reducing these vices, the situation seems to be getting worse.

“It is very unfortunate what we see in the media these days; corruption, corruption, corruption up to the highest level. it is seeming useless even to mention it,” he said adding that so many people are suffering because of a few individual’s decision to deprive others of what is meant to benefit all Kenyans.

He condemned gluttonous and corrupt individuals who are looting public resources leaving the rest of Kenyans to wallow in poverty. “Those who are diverting public resources to their own personal gain, those who think that they deserve more of these resources than other Kenyans, my message to you is that you will be answerable to none other than God. The wealth and resources of this country is meant for all Kenyans, not just a few individuals who thinks that they deserve better than the rest of citizens.”

Bishop Kihara further said that it is very unfortunate and sad that because of a few selfish individuals, many Kenyans have to live without even that basic necessity because someone with a long hand, someone who has mastered the art of stealing took everything that was meant to be shared by all.

“It is worthless if you accumulate wealth at the expense of your neighbor; if what you have accumulated cannot bring a smile to others who are less privileged. It means that we as citizens of this great country have failed to see the face of God in our neighbors. poverty levels continue to rise, common diseases still kill our people, where is our humanness?” Bishop Kihara posed.

Kenya continue to experience rampant corruption where billions of tax payers’ money has been embezzled. In a bid to intensify the war on graft, President Uhuru Kenyatta recently announced that a lifestyle audit will be conducted on all civil servants, including himself, as the government.

He said that all public servants will be asked to explain the source of their wealth and all those found to have plundered public coffers will be put to task to reveal the sources of their wealth.

“You must be able to explain how you got your car, your house and land in comparison to what you earn,” the President was quoted by the media.

~End~

Ethiopian Catholic Bishops with the Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia
during the Launcing of AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly
Logo in Addis Ababa

Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA

Ethiopia is one of the AMECEA country where the Catholic population is very small. Explaining during an interview, the Secretary General of AMECEA Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo said that the Catholics are about 0.8% of the entire population.

Since its commencement in 1960, AMECEA holds its plenary assemblies rotationally in different countries and this year marks the first time Ethiopia is will be host the plenary.

According to Fr. Lugonzo, the work of the Catholic Church in the country contributed greatly to the choice of Ethiopia as the host of the 19th plenary assembly. “The question of the Catholic presence being small but contributing a lot in the social ministry of the Church to the population in Ethiopia makes it hold a very specific position,” he said.

Besides, migration is key in the life of Ethiopians hence the identified theme of “Vibrant Diversity, Equal Dignity, Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region” deems appropriate for unity to prevail in Ethiopia.

“Ethiopia is a country where there is a lot of movement of the young populations to the East and to other countries,” explains Fr. Lugonzo. “Therefore we are looking at Ethiopia as a place that can really fit the theme that was chosen, and also the fact that Ethiopia is the headquarter of the continent where the African union offices are situated. We feel that the presence of the Church in this region in Ethiopia specifically in Addis- Ababa is an opportunity for us to bring to the country the reality that the Catholic Church is bigger than the minority that Ethiopia has,” he expressed.

As a member of AMECEA, the minority percentage of Catholics in Ethiopia cannot bar the plenary to be held in the country and the presence of the Episcopate and other delegates during the plenary, adds to the voice in Ethiopia.

According to the General Secretary, choosing Ethiopia to be the host of the 19th plenary assembly is a great step because of the end result for the country.

“It is already positive that the choice of Ethiopia is bearing fruits of ecumenism, fruits of inter-religious dialogue and these were some of the objectives of taking the plenary to Ethiopia. We are encouraged that being the minority, they have joined together with other Churches, denominations and the entire country is hosting the AMECEA. We want to speak to our brothers of the other churches and other faiths that there is a lot we can achieve together if we address the problems affecting humanity,” Fr. Lugonzo concludes.

∽End∽

Rev. Fr. Walter Ihejika, PhD, President of SIGNIS Africa
giving his speech during the Strategic Management Meeting

Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

SIGNIS Africa, which AMECEA is part of has recommended the formation of distinct structures of SIGNIS at national levels under the directorate of Communication. The recommendation was made during the SIGNIS Africa Strategic Management Meeting of the Executive Delegates currently going on in Abuja Nigeria where AMECEA is participating.

The President of SIGNIS Africa Rev. Fr. Walter Ihejirika, PhD, said that currently about 20 African countries are in good standing with SIGNIS despite the fact that the participation of African Countries at SIGNIS World Congress remains relatively low.

“There should be clear membership of SIGNIS in each country and we are going to take it upon ourselves to ensure that between now and end of 2019, the prospect is realized,” he said. Currently only Nigeria and DRC Congo have clear structures for SIGNIS.

Rt. Rev. Denis Isizoh, Episcopal Chairman of Communications
at Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

The strategic management meeting which began on 27^th June and ends on 30^th June is focusing on reviewing the SIGNIS Africa Constitution in line with SIGNIS World Statutes. At the same time, the meeting is providing a forum for brainstorming ideas on how to improve the participation of Africa in SIGNIS World Congress through production and attendance.

Meanwhile Rt. Rev. Denis Isizoh, the Episcopal Chairman of Communication Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria who officially opened the meeting urged Catholic Communicators in Africa to promote balanced news reporting.

Participants of the SIGNIS Africa Stategic Management
Meeting held in Abuja Nigeria

“We are the first people to report about ourselves therefore let us have a balance report. Breaking news is wonderful and with the emergence of new technologies such as mobile phones, fake news is real and spreads very fast. It is therefore important for Catholic journalists to do in-depth analysis of the report before presenting it to the public,” Bishop Isizoh who is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, said.

Echoing the sentiments of the Holy Father Pope Francis about the need of being aware of fake news, Bishop Isizoh challenged African Catholic journalists to transmit values in their stories and know how to package their stories well and present messages of hope rather than being part of the bandwagon of journalists whose main aim is to present news that propagates hopelessness.

~End~

Source: CRN

The Chairperson for Civil Society Network in Eastern Equatoria says, the current peace talks in Khartoum is giving citizens hope for the possibility of peace to return to the country. In an interview with Emmanuel Radio, in Torit on 3^rd, July, 2018, Activist Charles Okulu assured the people of South Sudan that, leaders of the neighbouring countries are in the process of rebuilding the broken hearts of South Sudanese over the long awaited peace from Addis Ababa.

“The presence of Presidents Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda in the negotiation table shows a good step,” he said adding that the responsibility accepted by the two leaders to convince South Sudan warring parties will bring suffering of the civilians to an end.

He revealed that, the armed opposition and the government leaders accepted to greet each other with hope of translating the smile and handshake into reality to end the misery in the nation. Okulu asked citizens to welcome the peace as it enters South Sudan and spread to the rest of the people.

Meanwhile the Institute for Justice and Peace Studies of the Catholic University of South Sudan launched a book entitled, “Trying to build peace in a time of war” on 6^th,July, 2018 during a public lecture at the University campus in Juba.

The event is under the theme: “Impact of religious peace building towards the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan. The book has been written by Sister Elena Balatti of the family of the Comboni Missionaries who is the director of Voice of Love Radio of the Catholic Diocese of Malakal.

∽End∽

Catechists in Njombe

Sarah Pelaji, Kiongozi Newspaper TEC

500 Catechists drawn from 47 parishes of Njombe Diocese attended a symposium as a way of celebrating 150 years Jubilee of Evangelization in Tanzania.

Speaking during a three day symposium conducted from 2^nd to 5^th, July, 2018, Njombe Bishop Alfred Maluma said he was so impressed by the participation of catechist whom he termed as agents of evangelization in the world.

“Your activeness, readiness in teaching Catechism to our people make the church more strong. You have a great mission and do it without complains, sacrifice yourselves so that the Gospel can be preached in families, small Christian communities and many others.

Bishop Maluma encouraged the Catechists to talk to apostolic parties in their clusters and to continue the missionary work that was entrusted to them 150 years ago by the missionaries. “The main task of Catholicism is to oversee and defend the Catholic faith as it did to the first missionaries. Now it's our turn,” said the Bishop

Speaking at the same event, Chairman of the Catechism Department in Njombe Diocese, Bruno Henjewele thanked the Catechists for their active participation at the conference adding that catechists have enough knowledge of the Church's teaching.

Henjewele said that, Catechism is an essential and basic tool for teaching theology. “The Catechism gives us the basis for the teaching of our faith. Without Catechism the Catechism mission is worthless,” he said.

During their symposium, Catechists learned a number of things, including the Catechism mission and the limitations, Jesus Christ-the cult of the Catechism and the missionary,

The Apostle Paul - The Catechism of the Nations, The Missionary - the catechism model,

The Catechism mission and Catechism of the Catholic Church. In addition, they have been taught Entrepreneurship, economics and finances, since the catechism has to deal with entrepreneurship in one way or another.

∽End∽

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo

Thank you for what you have done so far and thank you for what you shall do during the 19^th AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Ethiopia. These were the remarks of the AMECEA Secretary General Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo, as he addressed the AMECEA Secretariat Steering Committee Team of the 19^th Plenary Assembly during the concluding meeting before joining their counterparts at the Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat (ECS) next week.

“I call on every one of us to fully embrace this important event so that the success of the Plenary will be for us all,” he said urging the staff members to remain united and focused as they execute the various responsibilities assigned to them.

The meeting which was held on Thursday 5^th, July, 2018 at AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya and attended by all staff members who are due to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the Plenary Assembly, marked the end of planning activities of the steering committee, which comprised of Management Staff and Program Coordinators at the Secretariat and Heads of AMECEA institutions.

A number of the AMECEA Secretariat staff led by the Secretary General are traveling to Addis on Monday 9^th to harmonize the preparations with the host conference, Ethiopian Catholic Bishops Conference; while the rest of the staff members will follow in on Thursday 12^th, July, 2018.

The AMECEA Secretariat family requests readers of the AMECEA online News to join them in prayer for the success of the 19^thPlenary Assembly.

∽End∽

Rt. Rev. Norman King'oo Wambua (left) Appointed Bishop
of Machakos with Most Rev. Anthony Muheria of
Nyeri Archdiocese

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications-KCCB

Rt. Rev. Norman King’oo Wambua formerly of Bungoma Diocese where he has served for the past 20 years is scheduled to visit his new diocese of Machakos to meet the Clergy, Religious and Representatives of the Laity on 9th, July, 2018.

In a letter signed on 4th, July, 2018, by the Archbishop of Nyeri and the Apostolic Administrator of Machakos, Most Rev. Anthony Muheria, Bishop King’oo will be presented to the congregation by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, His Excellency Charles D. Balvo or his representative.

Archbishop Muheria expressed gratitude to God and to the Holy Father for appointing the New Shepherd for the Diocese. “We are all grateful to God for the news of the New Shepherd for our Diocese. On 23rd, June, 2018, the Holy Father appointed Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua as our Bishop of Machakos,” the letter reads in part.

The Archbishop revealed that the people of Machakos had been praying for long for a Bishop to lead them. “We have been praying for long, and finally the lord has heard our prayer. We now enter into a period of preparation, both spiritual and planning for the installation of the new Bishop,” he said.

He added that after due consultation, it was Bishop Wambua’s wish to meet his people for the first encounter urging all to pray for the New Prelate, so that God may grant him abundant graces to take good care of the flock entrusted to him.

Archbishop Muheria invited all the Priests and Religious of Machakos Diocese, the Deanery Executives, and Diocesan Executives of the Association to attend the celebration which will be held on 9th, July, 2018 from 11.00am at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Katoloni.

∽End∽

By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference

The Catholic Bishops in Uganda have warned the Government against the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Genetically Engineered (GE) products into the country.

The bishops have protested against The National Bio-safety Act 2017 which Parliament approved into law last year, and is now waiting for the approval and signing by the President of Uganda.

They have said the text of the Act does not contain enough guaranties against the risks involved in the use of GE and of GMOs, particularly the dangerous and long-time negative effects for the health of people and animals as well as for the environment.

“The Act opens the doors for companies which will practically enslave the small scale farmers, creating dependence through exclusive use of their GMOs,” the bishops stated in a press statement that was released on 13^th, June, 2018, and signed by the Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Gulu, Most Rev. John Baptist Odama.

“We are concerned for the health and life of our people and for protection of the environment in our country, the ‘home’ that God has given to His children in Uganda,” added the prelates.

If signed, the new law will allow and support the use of GMOs and GE products in Uganda. GMOs and GE are the outcome of the combination of the genes of two different and often unrelated species, in order to have a new organism or product. GE allows scientists to speed this process up by moving desired genes from one plant into another—or even from an animal to a plant or vice versa.

The church leaders argued that the prevailing model of industrial agriculture, heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fossil fuels, and a seemingly limitless supply of cheap water, will contribute to the destruction of the natural biodiversity and enslave the small scale farmers.

The process of putting in place legislation to govern Biotechnology and the use of GMOs in Uganda started back in 2008. All along, together with other stakeholders, Caritas Uganda, which is a department of the Uganda Episcopal Conference has followed this process expressing the concern of the Church for the safety of human and animal life as well as for a healthy environment, in a bid to create awareness among legislators and the public in general about the risk implications of tampering with nature through an indiscriminate use of biotechnology and GMOs.

“In fact, it is no secret that, behind the appealing targets of quicker and bigger economic advantages through enhanced crops and food production, there are the huge risks of some big international companies that are more interested in their financial profit than in people’s health and life and in the safeguarding of our environment,” the prelates stated.

The bishops, therefore, are appealing to the authorities concerned to take one of the two legal options still open according to the Rules of procedure of Parliament before the Act is implement by either withdrawal of the Act (rule 139) to hold a more adequate consultation, or amendment of the Act (rule 142) recommended by the President.

Meanwhile, many African countries have banned GMOs crops, arguing that they will cross contaminate other plants, pollute the environment and could have long-term health effects for humans.

The United States, Brazil and India are the world’s largest growers of GM crops while in Africa, South Africa is the only country producing GM maize on a commercial scale.

∽End∽

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Catholic Bishops in Malawi have issued a strong statement saying that they will not endorse any particular politician or political party in the forthcoming Country’s General Elections which are scheduled for 21^st, May, 2019.

While echoing the sentiments of the Holy Father Pope Francis when he said that "A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern" (Pope Francis, Homily during morning Mass on 16^th, September, 2013), the Malawian Bishops encouraged Catholics to take an active role in politics including seeking political positions at all levels of the national governance structure.

In the statement which was issued on Friday 29^th, June, 2918, following their second Annual Plenary Meeting at the Catholic Secretariat in Lilongwe from 25^th to 29^th June, the Bishops also reminded priests, religious men and women, catechists as well as heads of Catholic institutions to also refrain from making utterances or doing things that can justifiably be perceived as advancing partisan politics.

“We call upon all Malawians to pray for peaceful elections and cooperate with God in achieving this by desisting from utterances, actions or inactions which can cause violence,” highlighted the statement which was also sent to AMECEA Online News. The Bishops observed that Malawi has been blessed with peace since its inception as a State and therefore they reminded citizens of their duty before God and the Nation to ensure peaceful coexistence at all times but especially during the preparations for the forthcoming elections.

They urged all eligible Malawians to register and vote in the forthcoming elections saying that voting in such elections is not only a right but also an obligation of every eligible Malawian.

Finally, they called upon the people charged with the responsibility of managing the said elections to ensure that the entire electoral process is properly managed for free, fair and credible elections to prevail.

∽End∽

Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA

The preparations for the 19^thAMECEA Plenary Assembly, which have been on going, are now closing this week when the delegates and the partners will start arriving Addis Ababa, Ethiopia beginning Monday 9^th July 2018.

Speaking to AMECEA Online News at the Secretariat, the Secretary General of AMECEA Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo said that the first group will arrive in Addis Ababa on Monday 9th.

The group will include AMECEA Secretariat Management team and two administrative Secretaries who will be in the country to liaise with the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat (ECS) Preparatory Committee for final touches of the preparations including the hosting of the AMECEA Executive Delegates (second group) who will be arriving on the 12 July. The third group is the Bishops delegates who will arrive on the 13^th , a day before their recollection. The last group of delegates will arrive on Saturday, a day before the official opening of the 19^th AMECEA Plenary Assembly.

Fr. Lugonzo said that the arriving of the Executive before other delegates is vital because they belong to the preparatory committee of the plenary. They need all the preparatory details of the plenary before other delegates arrive.

According to Fr. Lugonzo, the AMECEA Secretariat team will set the secretariat and fill up some gaps related to the preparations in order to ensure that everything falls in place prior to the commencement of the plenary.

“As much as Ethiopia is ready, it is important that the members of the AMECEA secretariat get to Ethiopia early enough to set and test the system and the equipment, so that by the time the plenary begins, everything is set for the event.

Fr. Lugonzo said that the two teams (AMECEA Team and ECS Team) have been working from different points, thus earlier arrival would compose one team that will run the Plenary Assembly to the end.

“The members of the steering committee, and the heads of different sub committees from the AMECEA Secretariat have to harmonize their plans with those of the ECS preparatory committee. This will enable the smooth running of the sessions during the plenary,” concluded the Secretary General.

∽End∽

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

The Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD), the main Partner of AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department has pledge to continue partnering and supporting the Department for at least the next three years.

According to AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department Coordinator Rev. Fr. Paul Mung'athia Igweta, the support means that the planned activities of the department will be implemented.

“They have promised to give us financial support to facilitate what we are doing as AMECEA, so for the activities that we budgeted for, we are sure of implementing quite a number,” Fr. Mung'athiasaid adding that among these activities include engaging the Nations Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinators to promote the realization of AMECEA Strategic plan and also engaging the coordinators to ensure that the implementation trickles down to the dioceses.

He expressed gratitude to CAFOD forsupporting the department since its inception in 2014 when AMECEA Justice and Peace ceased to be a desk under Pastoral Department but a fully fledged department.

“We truly appreciate CAFOD, which has journeyed with our department since its inception. We also applaud them for supporting hardship dioceses within AMECEA Region such as Lodwar, Marsabit Isiolo, Moroto, Kotido just to mention but a few. They are currently partnering with at least 17 Diocese and nine counties in Kenya alone and this is something we are truly grateful for,” Fr. Mung'athia explained.

Previously known as the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development, CAFOD is the Catholic aid agency for England and Wales. It is an international aid agency working to alleviate poverty and suffering in developing countries. Among AMECEA Countries, CAFOD is present in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda and Zambia.

∽End∽

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Ms. Nelly Shonko, CAFOD
Programs Manager

In a bid to enhance collaboration among its partners from two AMECEA Countries, Kenya and Uganda as well as AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department, The Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD) organized a workshop on integrated Food Security and governance with an aim to develop a common program and a common way of tackling the two issues i.e. food security and governance.

A section of the Participants of the CAFOD Workshop on
Integrated Food Security and Governance

According toCAFOD East Africa Programs Manager Ms. Nelly Shonko, the workshop was held to help integrated food security programs partners engage in advocacy through the work they do to ensure that they get government contribution.

“We as non-governmental organizations we can only contribute to a certain level, the main actors when it comes to food security and governance issues ought to be the government. Therefore, the aim is to empower communities to be able to work closely with the governments so that their plans and work is included in the county integrated development plan,” Ms. Shonko explained.

According to AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinator Rev. Fr. Paul Mung'athia Igweta who was a participant in the workshop which was held in Nairobi between2nd and 6^th July, 2018, experience was very enriching.

Rev. Fr. Paul Mung'athia,
Coordinator AMECEA Justice
Peace and Caritas Department

“Through the forum we have been trained on project proposal writing, we have been able to build networks with other organizations that CAFOD partners with. At the same time, they are challenging us on doing projects that are people's oriented or community oriented and on issues that support justice as well as social development,” Fr. Mung'athia explained.

The workshop was attended by participants from 16 organizations that partners with CAFOD from Kenya and Uganda.

“The main thing about this workshop isto work together and so we have spent the last three days developing those projects and discussing and agreeing on common ways of collaboration. Bringing partners together enables them to network, learn from each other and basically get different perspectives of developing programs as opposed to when individual partners do it alone,” Ms. Shonko explained.

A total of 49 individuals participated in the workshop. These included directors of programs, accountants and project staff.

∽End∽

Source: CRN

The Catholic Bishops of South Sudan and Sudan on Friday, 13th, July, 2018, travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to participate on the 19^thPlenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) which runs from 13^th to 23^rd, July, 2018.

According to the President of Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SCBC) Rt. Rev. Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, all Archbishops, Bishops and Apostolic Administrators of two countries will join their fellow Bishops from the region.

Bishop Hiiboro added that the Catholic prelates in Addis Ababa will reinforce their solidarity and togetherness in the AMECEA countries explaining that the theme for the ten-day’s meeting will focus on diversity and beauty of the people.

He said that all the Catholic leaders will come together to share the situations from their member countries, adding that the plenary will also pray for peace, unity and forgivingness in the Sub- Sahara Africa which experiences various crises.

Bishop Hiboro who led the delegation of Sudan and South Sudan said the plenary will also pray for young people who are faced with myriad of challenges in the region.

~End~

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