Nairobi, 28 July, 2026 / 9:13 PM
TheSymposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar(SECAM) has called for greater collaboration between the conferences of Asia and Africa in advancing global conversations on the shared challenges facing the two continents.
In a solidarity message at the 12th Plenary Assembly of theFederation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences(FABC) that was held in Jakarta from July 20–26, SECAM PresidentFridolin Cardinal Ambongohighlighted poverty, inequality, and climate change as among the shared challenges facing Africa and Asia.
“In this context, Africa and Asia are called not merely to face these challenges individually, but to strengthen our collaboration and mutual solidarity,” Cardinal Ambongo said in his message shared with ACI Africa on Tuesday, July 28, following the plenary organized on the theme, “The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission of Being Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.”
He added, “Our Episcopal Conferences can continue to learn from one another, share pastoral experiences, and join our voices in advocating for justice, peace, and integral human development.”
Cardinal Ambongo said Africa and Asia, despite their distinct histories, cultures, and religious traditions, remain united by shared hopes and aspirations.
He said Africa and Asia are home to the majority of the world’s young people and continue to witness the vitality of the Catholic Church in societies marked by diversity, poverty, and rapid social transformation.
“Above all, we share the conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is agnity,” said the Local Ordinary of theCatholic Archdiocese of Kinshasain the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Cardinal Ambongo went on to underscore the need for the Churches in Africa and Asia to strengthen their common witness on global issues, saying their collaboration could amplify the voice of the Global South in international forums.
“Together, we can contribute more effectively to global conversations, including the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) on climate change and biodiversity, reminding the international community that care for our common home must always be inseparable from care for the poorest and most vulnerable,” he said.
The Congolese member of theOrder of Friars Minor Capuchin(OFM Cap) also encouraged deeper cooperation between the two continental Church bodies in evangelization, priestly and lay formation, interreligious dialogue, youth ministry, and the promotion of synodality.
According to Cardinal Ambongo, Churches in the Global South have much to offer one another through the exchange of pastoral wisdom, missionary experience, and prophetic witness, adding that building stronger ties between Africa and Asia would strengthen not only their local Churches but also the witness of the universal Church.
Reflecting on the theme of the FABC Plenary Assembly, the SECAM President said it captures “the vocation of the Church in our time” by emphasizing synodality as a way of being Church rather than merely a method of working together.
He explained that synodality calls the faithful to walk together in faith, listen to the Holy Spirit and to one another, and become credible witnesses of communion, reconciliation, and hope in a divided world.
Cardinal Ambongo further said the Assembly’s inspiration from Jesus’ words, “You will see greater things” (John 1:50), invites the Church to look beyond present challenges with confidence in God’s providence.
“As you pray, discern, and deliberate during these days, please be assured of the closeness and prayers of SECAM,” the SECAM president said in the message shared with ACI Africa.
The Archbishop of Kinshasa expressed hope that the Assembly would bear lasting fruits for the Church in Asia while fostering stronger bonds of fraternity, collaboration, and communion between FABC and SECAM.
He entrusted the Assembly to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and prayed that the Risen Lord would bless its deliberations with wisdom, courage, and peace.
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