African Catholic Church launches synodal journey toward 2028 Ecclesial Assembly

From 3‑5 August 2026, Addis Ababa hosted the first preparatory seminar for Africa’s 2028 Ecclesial Assembly. Organized by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and its African branch SCEAM, the three‑day meeting gathered more than 50 delegates from seven regional episcopal conferences, Madagascar and island territories. Under the theme “The Synodal Church in Africa: Journeying Towards the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly,” participants reviewed recent synodal experiences, identified continental priorities such as peace, social justice, youth, women and inculturation, and committed to a two‑year process of listening, dialogue and missionary renewal.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, SECAM president, closed the seminar emphasizing the need for a “listening Church” and outlined a four‑stage roadmap – Awareness, Interpretation, Orientation and Celebration – that will guide national and diocesan assemblies, a Continental Synodal Assembly, and culminate in the final Ecclesial Assembly in Rome in October 2028. The event marks the formal start of Africa’s synodal journey, aiming to produce a shared pastoral vision for the continent’s Catholic faithful.