His Grace Archbishop Protase Rugambwa delivers keynote address at the start of the 19th AMECEA Plenary Assembly in which he challenged the association to embrace renewal. The Holy See’s Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples on Sunday evening challenged Bishops of the AMECEA region to strengthen solidarity among themselves, shun complacency and embrace renewal.
As reported by Vatican Radio, His Grace Archbishop Rugambwa remarked that “I call on AMECEA to reassess its structures in compliance with Pope Francis’ call for ecclesial renewal, which cannot be deferred. I think you would do well also to reassess the operational structures and effectiveness of the Association –reviewing its modus operandi in order to make sure it is delivering the desired service.” Further, His Excellency added, “It is incumbent on the Church of AMECEA to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. To this effect, a renewed spirit of solidarity entails sharing of resources and personnel by the particular Churches.”
Earlier officially opening the Plenary Assembly, AMECEA Chairman, His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa paid glowing tribute to relations between the Catholic Church in Ethiopia and the Orthodox Church.
