CEPACS at 50: Charting the course for Synodal Communication in Africa – Vatican Information

By Vatican Information

A Symposium celebrating the fiftieth Anniversary of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS), befell in Lagos, Nigeria, on 19-20 November.

The occasion gathered over eighty individuals, together with Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Clergymen, Non secular, and communication consultants from throughout the African continent. Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communications was current and contributed to the Symposium.

Celebrating achievements 

The Symposium’s theme, “CEPACS at 50: In the direction of Selling a Synodal Church in Africa by way of Social Communications,” set the stage for gratitude, analysis, and planning. Contributors expressed gratitude for the achievements of CEPACS over the previous 50 years, recognizing the unity in religion that binds them collectively. The Native Organizing Committee and the Catholic Bishops Convention of Nigeria (CBCN) acquired commendation for his or her dedication and hospitality, making certain the success of the occasion.

Understanding the Mission of CEPACS

The gathering delved into the historical past, imaginative and prescient, mission, and targets of CEPACS. Contributors shared tales, realizing that social communications aren’t merely practical however communal and missionary. Emphasis was positioned on the function of social communication in deepening religion and fostering the spirit of the Synod on Synodality in Africa.

Resolutions for a Synodal Future

A sequence of resolutions and proposals emerged that define a path ahead for CEPACS and the Church in Africa:

–       Enhancing Consciousness and Visibility: To boost consciousness of CEPACS and its mission in any respect ranges of the Church, together with regional and nationwide conferences, in addition to amongst Ecclesial communities.

–       Strengthening Operational Buildings: Growing and strengthening CEPACS operational buildings throughout the continent to facilitate collective communication and synodal journey at varied ranges.

–       Capability-building and Committee Formation: Forming and capacity-building the CEPACS continental Committee, defining its relationship with regional and nationwide episcopal conferences for the longer term.

–       Strategic Planning: Growing a sturdy long-term strategic plan for CEPACS, together with an organogram, operational framework, rules, values, Concept of Change, roles of clergy, non secular, and lay communication consultants.

–       Reviving Regional Communication Buildings: Designing and reviving regional communication buildings, rekindling the curiosity and dedication of Bishops in varied conferences throughout Africa.

–       Championing Moral Discourse: Taking the lead in moral discourse throughout conventional, trendy, and modern communication, particularly in new media initiatives like synthetic intelligence.

–       Continued Collaboration: Convening additional periods, whether or not bodily or digital, with regional our bodies’ groups of social communication to advance the resolutions made.

Suggestions

The symposium recommends that regional and nationwide conferences prioritize specialised coaching for media personnel, undertake applicable digital media use, develop social communication methods, and assist the resolutions of the session.

It additionally highlights the significance of continued collaboration with SECAM and different regional our bodies in addition to fostering a relationship with the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication.