African bishops delegation in Europe to discuss Millenium Development Goals

2010-09-10

AFRICA - African bishops delegation in Europe to discuss Millenium Development Goals

Rome (Agenzia Fides) – On the occasion of the Summit for review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be held in New York, September 20 to 22, a delegation of SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar) is in Europe to meet with European political leaders and to discuss efforts to improve the welfare of African communities, the obstacles blocking the development of society, and the priorities for change. The delegation, which consists of African bishops and development experts, will be divided into two groups that will travel to Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. The two groups will meet in Brussels to meet with representatives of the European Union.

“We the Bishops of SECAM call for a new approach in implementing the MDGs that is not limited in time and space but which focuses on a progressive transition to the integral development of Africa based on the principles of morals and ethics, Economic growth, Subsidiarity, common Good and Benefits accruing from resources,” says the “Position Paper” of SECAM sent to Fides.

The Church in Africa, often the only subject of civil society capable of reaching remote communities, provides services that compensate for the shortcomings of the state. Among the testimonies given by the delegation is that of Bishop Francisco Joao Siloti of Chimoio (Mozambique) and Vice-President of SECAM, who has worked for peace across all of Africa and Bishop Louis Portella Mbuyu, Bishop of Kinkala (Congo-Brazzaville), who, despite three attempts on his life, continues to strongly support democratization and transparency in managing oil revenues.

The delegation's mission is organized by SECAM with the support of CIDSE, an international alliance of Catholic development agencies, and Caritas Europa. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 09/10/2010)


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