Vatican City, Mar 7, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Earlier today in Rome, representatives from the Catholic Church in Africa met to plan the second ever Bishop’s Synod on that continent. The Synod was called for by John Paul II in 2004 and confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI.
The Vatican announced that Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, was on hand for today’s meeting, accompanied by two African cardinals as well as seven bishops and archbishops.
The group discussed the preparatory "Lineamenta" document for the Synod, saying, according to a statement, that it must be "easy to understand and capable of favoring debate and reflection, especially on the themes of reconciliation, justice and peace in the context of a renewed evangelizing effort on the great African continent."
Traditionally, the second part of the "Lineamenta" will be formed, as a questionnaire, which the group called "of great importance in ensuring active participation at all levels in the local Churches of the continent and its islands."
No date has yet been scheduled for the Synod, but the Vatican said that next preparatory meeting will be held on February 15th and 16th of 2007.
Africa’s first Bishop’s Synod was held at the behest of John Paul II in 1994.
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