AMECEA COMMUNIQUE OF THE SECOND AMECEA YOUTH COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP -HELD AT DAR-ES-SALAAM, TANZANIA , FROM 2ND TO 7TH MAY, 2010 The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), comprising the Episcopal Conferences of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and the affiliate members of Djibouti and Somalia in partnership with the Pontifical Council for Social Communications organized this Second AMECEA Youth Communication Workshop under the theme, “Word and Image (Picture) at the Service of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation” here in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania at the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC)’s Kurasini Centre, from 2nd – 7th May, 2010. Preamble: To all people of good will! We, the AMECEA Youth, in collaboration with our National Communication directors; national directors of youth offices as well as representatives of various religious congregations of sisters greet you all in the name of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. Shalom! REAFFIRMING with, profound gratitude, the important role of the Pontifical Council for Social Communication, supported by its generous benefactors, in making possible this second youth workshop; ENCOURAGED by the insightful pronouncements on justice, peace and reconciliation made by our own Catholic Bishops, regarding the youth, at the second Synod of Bishops for Africa that took place from 4th – 25th October 2009 under the theme: The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace: You are the Salt of the Earth…You are the Light of the World (Mt 5: 13, 14); WELCOMED and embraced the description given to us by our Bishops at the Second African Synod when they referred to us, the youth of Africa, as the treasure, gift and hope of the Church and society; INSPIRED deeply by the moving testimonies from Kenya and Uganda and the work being carried out by the Catholic Church and our fellow youth in fostering peace and reconciliation, in the aftermath of the violent conflicts in these two countries; ANIMATED and encouraged by the many positive activities, aimed at fostering justice, peace and reconciliation, that our fellow youth have started undertaking in the AMECEA countries since our first youth workshop convened in Nairobi, Kenya; DETERMINED to start with ourselves, as individuals, in leading a way of life that is based on justice, peace and reconciliation n and one that is grounded on the gospel values and principles of mutual respect for the dignity of every human person; The Second AMECEA Youth workshop hereby states the following: 1. A word of gratitude We acknowledge with deep gratitude the hospitality of the Tanzanian Government, the people of Tanzania, in particular the youth, for their generosity, the Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, the Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam and the Tanzanian Episcopal Conference for hosting us at Kurasini centre. 2. Continued solidarity with the youth of Eritrea We, therefore totally reject the use of violence as a means of resolving conflicts. To this end, we urge our brothers and sisters in Sudan to continue treading the path of peace and insist on all the warring parties, in Darfur, to work towards a peaceful resolution of this conflict that has caused so much loss of life and suffering. 4. Language that Promotes objective judgement and dialogue Our language should be objective and allow for the possibility of negotiation and reconciliation between antagonizing parties. Our role, as media that promotes peace, will therefore endeavour for subtlety and sometimes even silence or restraint when tempted to condemn our opponents or enemies. 5. Speaking in a time of conflict As young Catholics working in the media industry, we will not be silent in the face of potential or actual situations of conflict. We resolve to provide leadership by acting in a proactive manner when confronted with potential conflict or by speaking out prophetically and timely in the face of conflict. We urge all Catholic media in Africa, to explore alternative, creative and innovative uses of the media with the view to promote human rights and the dignity of all human beings. These will include the production of media content that promotes justice, peace and reconciliation. Catholic media should also continue to sensitize vulnerable youth against all forms of violence; advocate for the promotion of peace journalism; spearhead multi-media campaigns (print and electronic) in order to spread the messages of tolerance and reconciliation –especially at critical times such as national elections. 6. Appeal to our African Governments and Politicians We take note of the fact that most conflict usually starts in a small way. For all who care to see, the signs of trouble are always evident. Often, it is the unscrupulous agents who seek to benefit from conflict that plan, politicize and cause what is even low-level conflict to escalate. 7. Corruption and conflict 8. Where there is hatred let me bring peace We have no doubt in our minds that another Africa is possible! An African continent where every citizen will feel safe; where Governments can conduct free and fair elections which do not end in conflict and violence; where diversity can be cherished; dissenting views are acknowledged and the youth respected and empowered to be better citizens. This Africa we dream about today is possible! As our Bishops noted during the Second Synod for Africa (Preposition No. 48), the youth need equal opportunities and nations have the obligation to tackle problems of youth unemployment and poverty which often bring about insecurity and conflict in the countries. Ultimately, the answer does not lie in bigger, stronger and well equipped African peace keeping forces. While these may be needed, in troubled spots of the continent, ultimate peace will only come about if the youth and everyone on the African continent will not only speak peace and love but will always act in peace and love. Signed by youth representatives from the AMECEA member countries. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMECEA is an acronym for “Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa” It is a Catholic service organization for the National Episcopal Conferences of the eight countries of Eastern Africa, namely Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Djibouti and Somalia are affiliate members. On Thursday, 3rd June 2010, Christians around the world converged at the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrines in Namugongo, Kampala-Uganda to commemorate the death of 22 Ugandan Martyrs who were killed for their faith in Jesus Christ on the orders of Mwanga II the former King of Buganda Kingdom. Every year, 3rd June is set apart in memory of the Martyrs. Prior to the Uganda Martyrs day, Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Conference was held on the 1st – 2nd June 2010 at Hotel Protea in Kampala, Uganda According to the Rt. Rev. Matthias Ssekamanya, Bishop of Lugazi & Chairman-Uganda Episcopal Conference; the purpose of the Conference was to share ideas and identify the various needs, and build capacities of Regional Conferences, in an effort towards the emancipation of humanity and effective mutual cooperation; with the hope that the deliberations at this Conference would be guided by the Social Teaching of the Church and the various propositions of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops on the theme: “The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace.”
In his opening remarks during the AMECEA Conference, the Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, Vice Chairman of AMECEA pointed out the need to seriously look into issues that affect the Episcopal Conferences and the Region at large. Some of the issues cited were:
The Solidarity Fund of the American Bishops’ Conference was recognised for finding the money which made the workshop a reality; and the University of Notre Dame for facilitating the Conference which was fruitful. Catholic Relief Services and Uganda Episcopal Conference were thanked for the coordination and hosting the Conference. Participants were: AMECEA Cardinal and Bishop Delegates; Secretaries General and Representatives of the AMECEA Regional Episcopal Conferences Next year 2011, AMECEA will be marking 50 years since it was founded(1961). During these 50 years, AMECEA has been holding Plenary Assemblies after every three years on rotational basis from one country to another. This makes a total of 16 Plenary Assemblies which were conducted carrying various themes according to the needs of the time. Most of these Plenaries have led to the deliberating of concrete pastoral plans including founding of institutions and the formation of Small Christian
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MECEA is an acronym for “Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa” It is a Catholic service organization for the National Episcopal Conferences of the eight countries of Eastern Africa, namely Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Djibouti and Somalia are affiliate members.
The AMECEA official website is : www.amecea.org
Documentation Service Pastoral Department Research Department Social Communications AMECEA Pastoral Insitute AMECEA Gaba Publications The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Amecea Accountancy Course, Nyegezi Social Training Institute
Eritrea Catholic Secretariat: 3 Dioceses Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat: 8 Dioceses Kenya Catholic Secretariat: 22 Dioceses Malawi Catholic Secretariat: 7 Dioceses Sudan Catholic Secretariat: 9 Dioceses Tanzania Catholic Secretariat: 29 Dioceses Uganda Catholic Secretariat: 19 Dioceses
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Secretary General:
June 2010