Vatican City, Jan 25, 2010 / 09:22 am
The Vatican Press Office has released the details of the latest meeting of African bishops since the closing of their Special Assembly in October. A meeting of the Special Council for Africa was held on Jan. 19 - 20 at the Vatican to discuss continuing issues in the African Church.
The secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, hosted the council's second meeting in which all members, representing 12 African nations, were present.
As he introduced the agenda items for the meeting, Archbishop Eterovic reflected on the major themes addressed in October's assembly, which focused on achieving justice, peace and reconciliation in Africa. Finding reconciliation, the archbishop stated, must happen through the Sacrament of Penance and the ability to forgive. He also touched on the importance of avoiding the transformation of theology into politics and the protection of creation.
Each of the members reported on the positive effects of the Special Assembly and the current social and ecclesial climates in their countries and dioceses.