The Pan-African Congress has called for support for missionaries facing visa and racism challenges. The congress highlighted the difficulties missionaries encounter when traveling and working in various countries. The statement emphasized the need for solidarity and advocacy to address these issues. The congress aims to raise awareness and encourage action to protect missionaries' rights and facilitate their work.
4 months ago
The third Pan-African Catholic Congress on Theology, Society, and Pastoral Life, held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from August 5-10, 2025, concluded with a strong appeal for support for African missionaries facing hardships abroad 2 3. Delegates highlighted significant challenges, including immigration restrictions and racism, which impede missionary work both within and outside the continent 1 2.
A key concern raised was the mounting frustration among foreign Catholic priests, particularly those forced to leave South Africa due to alleged visa expiry or renewal difficulties 2 3. Recent instances include two Ugandan-born priests, Father Stephen Syambi and Father Jude Thaddeus, who were compelled to abandon their ministries in the Diocese of Klerksdorp and Diocese of De Aar, respectively 2 3. Cardinal Stephen Brislin, President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has expressed solidarity with these affected ministers, urging them to seek resolution 2 3.
The Congress acknowledged a significant transformation of the African Church from a "mission Church" that primarily received the Gospel to a "Church of the Sheaves" that now shares its gifts and sends missionaries globally 2 3. This transition underscores the imperative for the African Church to achieve self-reliance, not as isolation, but as a mature participant in the universal communion of faith 2 3. Delegates stressed that divisions based on ethnicity, status, or ideology must not hinder missionary discipleship 2 3.
The Congress, organized by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), gathered diverse participants including theologians, bishops, priests, and lay leaders to discuss "Journeying Together in Hope as Church, Family of God in Africa" 2 3. Discussions explored Africa’s contribution to the global understanding of the Synod on Synodality, the advancement of African theological scholarship, and the role of women and youth in the Church 2. Participants also addressed urgent societal issues such as human trafficking, religious persecution, and environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for transparent resource management and self-reliance within the African Church 2 3.
Delegates proposed the development of an African-led missionary fund to support African missionaries worldwide and called for investment in theological formation, research, and Catholic education 2 3. They affirmed Africa as "a gift to the world," rich in faith, culture, and values, with the African family serving as a moral bedrock preserving traditions of solidarity and mutual care 2 3. The central theme of hope, highlighted by Pope Leo XIV, was presented as rooted in Christ's resurrection, enabling resilience against instability, poverty, and environmental threats, and fostering reconciliation and healing 2 3.
How does the Church address ethnic divisions in evangelization?
The Catholic Church addresses ethnic divisions in evangelization by emphasizing unity in diversity, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that the Gospel message transcends cultural barriers. The Church's universal mission calls all people to form one family in Christ, overcoming divisions of race, nationality, and culture .
Unity in Diversity and Catholicity The Church, by its very nature, is "catholic" or universal, meaning it is meant for all people and embraces a rich variety of histories and cultures . This unity is not uniformity but a multifaceted harmony brought forth by the Holy Spirit . The Church recognizes that cultural diversity is not a threat to its unity but an opportunity to learn from different traditions and foster intercultural appreciation .
Reconciliation and Communion The Church actively promotes reconciliation and true communion among different ethnic groups, fostering solidarity and sharing of resources .
Transcultural Gospel Message The Gospel message itself is transcultural and is not identified with any specific cultural form .
In essence, the Church addresses ethnic divisions by living out its inherent catholicity, fostering unity and reconciliation among diverse peoples, and ensuring that the universal message of salvation is proclaimed in a way that respects and integrates various cultural expressions .