Why a Second Special Assembly for Africa of the SYnod of Bishops?

(From the Instrumentum Laboris)

Twelve years ago, from 10 April to 8 May 1994, the First Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops was held on the topic: «The Church in Africa and Her Evangelizing Mission Towards the Year 2000: ‘You shall be my witnesses’ (Acts 1:8)». The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation «Ecclesia in Africa» gathered the results of the synodal process as a whole, from the preparation to the celebration of the Assembly: prayer, exchanges of information, a common sharing of the joys and sorrows of various situations in the Church, culture, society and civil life, and the in-depth reflections on each of the topics which were discussed by the Church’s bishops in a climate of tranquil communion, characteristic of the Episcopal College headed by the Bishop of Rome, the President of the Synod and Pastor of the Universal Church. The Apostolic Exhortation was published on 14 September 1995. Since that time, it has guided the pastoral activity of the Catholic Church in Africa.
Pope John Paul II, yielding to the desire of many bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful, announced on 13 November 2004 his intention to convoke a Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI confirmed his predecessor’s plan by announcing on 22 June 2005, in the presence of the Special Council for Africa of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, his decision to convoke in Rome the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
In collaboration with the above-mentioned Council, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI specified the topic of the synodal meeting: «The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace: ‘You Are the Salt of the Earth... You Are the Light of the World’ (Mt 5:13, 14)». The topic continues the great theme of the First Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops and envisages an evaluation of the accomplishments everywhere, with obvious preference for what has taken place within the Church. Since the last synodal meeting, however, the situation in Africa has changed considerably. This new reality requires a thorough study in view of a renewed evangelisation effort, which calls for a more in-depth analysis of specific topics important for the present and future of the Catholic Church on the great African continent.
Thanks to God, during these past years, the Catholic Church, the Family of God in pilgrimage in Africa, has witnessed considerable growth throughout the continent. Missionaries from Africa working in the pastoral programs of other particular Churches in Africa or on other continents are remarkably on the rise. The Church’s educational and charitable aid activities have been decisive in many countries affected by different emergency situations. The Gospel is the real salt of the earth, the guarantee of a deep-rooted evangelisation capable of resisting all adversity. The Good News, accompanied by the unmistakable witness of their ecclesial service, becomes the light of the world which shines in the darkness that can sometimes be thick and dense over most of the African continent.
In union of heart and mind with the Holy Father, the synod fathers will have to confront the complex and not always favourable current situation in Africa, using the tools of light (cf. Rm 13:12) and Christian charity, which are strengthened and animated by the disciples’ hope in the Risen Lord Jesus. In addition to the obstacles to evangelisation which can take place for political, religious or social reasons, there are some grave problems which call out to Christians and all people of good will: situations of poverty, injustice, sickness, exploitation, a lack of dialogue, division, intolerance, violence, terrorism and war. Faithful to the command of Jesus Christ, the Church is tireless in proclaiming the Good News so as to offer, through her extended pastoral services, the prospect of ecclesial and social reconciliation in Christ, our Peace and Source of Real Justice for the entire African continent. Evangelisation, the principal duty in the command of the Divine Master (cf. Mt 28:19), cannot be detached from the commitment of every Church member to become Samaritans to the many brothers and sisters who are asking for help and compassion (cf. Lk 10:29-37), and to aid so many people who are poor and in need of human warmth, so as to give witness to God’s love (Mt 25:31-46). The Church, through her proclamation of the Gospel, programs of education at all levels and her many charitable institutions, is also increasingly active in the promotion of dialogue, peace and justice in the renewal of African society, which is forcefully progressing towards the integral development of the African people, so that they can take the place due them in the international community.
The Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops is to take place in the Vatican from 4 to 25 October 2009.