What is our role,
how can we be more
By Catherine Njuguna
authentic and
IMCS Africa Coordinator
effective agents of
transformation (salt
On
November 19th, 2011, in the Republic of Benin in
West Africa, Pope Benedict XVI published the Post-Synodal
Apostolic Exhortation; Africae Munus which means Africa's
Commitment, marking the climax of the Second Synod of
Bishops for Africa (2009). The exhortation built on the theme
of the First Synod of Bishops for Africa, Ecclesia in Africa
(1994) which focused on the ‘Church as Family of God’ describing the family as a place of belonging, dialogue and solidarity, a place where everyone feels welcomed and the uniqueness of each member is respected and nurtured. There was
likewise a special emphasis on the theological themes that are
integral to the family of God – personal reconciliation, building a just social order and promoting peace through living the
beatitudes, the place that propagates the ‘culture of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation’.
Apart from the family, the Synod Fathers further took a serious
look at issues ranging from challenges of resource exploitation,
trade imbalances, debt, climate change, women in Africa, conflicts, poor governance, migration, corruption, globalization,
health challenges, and insufficient media coverage of the real
Africa with all its lights and shadows.
The question we probably need to ask ourselves as young people is; what next, what is our role, how can we be more authentic and effective agents of transformation (salt and light) in the
current situation? While the Church in Africa is growing in
numbers, it is not having the kind of impact upon society it
should be having. As one of the delegates, Archbishop PalmerBuckle of Ghana stated: “The Church has transformed neither
society nor itself... Where there has been corruption, Catholics
have been involved, and where there has been violence Catholics have been among those instigating it.” The Archbishop
went on to add that Africans must stop blaming others for their
problems, examine their consciences and put their own house
in order.
As we enter the Centenary preparation of Pax Romana, her
existence and impact, we probably need to look at a greater
and more concerted commitment to those deprived of freedom
and peace, those violated in their