When the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) recently published Una caro, it did more than restate Catholic teaching on marriage. It revived a troubling pattern in global Catholic discourse: speaking about Africa without listening to Africa. The document’s claim that “monogamous marriage in Africa would be considered an exceptional reality, given the widespread practice of polygamy”…
The recent celebration at Holy Trinity Girls’ School was more than a ceremony—it was a quiet revolution wrapped in prayer, song, and youthful conviction. Held during the Grade 12 graduation, the event became an unexpected stage for honouring a group of girls who have stood out not only for their academic effort, but also for their faith-driven commitment to safeguarding…
On November 14, 2025, PACTPAN and SECAM hosted a pan-African palaver to present Pope Leo XIV’s Pastoral Exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You). The event brought together scholars, clergy, activists, lay members of Christ’s faithful, and change agents from across the continent and beyond. Among the most striking voices was Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Yola—known for living shoulder-to-shoulder…
Stan Chu Ilo, Reporting from the Kigali Convention Centre, – August 1, 2025 Kigali — In a powerful address delivered at the opening of the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in Kigali, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, issued an urgent appeal for the…
Reporting from the Kigali Convention Center – July 31, 2025 Kigali — At the Regina Pacis Church in Kigali, under the gaze of Mary, Queen of Peace, the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) opened with a solemn Mass presided over by Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of…
This week marks a historic gathering as African bishops convene in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Over 250 participants including presidents of 54 national episcopal conferences, theologians, and global partners are taking part in this landmark assembly. The expectations from God’s people in Africa are high on…