Charles Esther
Delegates at the third Pan-African Catholic Congress on Theology, Society, and Pastoral Life, held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast from August 5–10, 2025, have urged stronger support for African missionaries struggling in their ministries.
They highlighted immigration challenges and experiences of racism as major setbacks for missionaries serving both within and outside Africa.
Appeal to Overcome Divisions in Missionary Work
In their final statement, the delegates stressed that divisions based on ethnicity, status, or ideology should not hinder missionary discipleship.
They emphasized that self-reliance for the African Church should not mean isolation but active participation in the global communion of faith.
The statement also recognized that African missionaries are increasingly being sent abroad, marking the Church’s transition from a mission-receiving to a mission-sending community.
Synodality as a Pathway to Evangelization
Delegates reaffirmed synodality, as discussed in the Synod on Synodality, as the Church’s pathway for evangelization.
They committed to deepening their role as missionary disciples both within Africa and worldwide.
They also urged collaborative efforts to overcome all forms of division in the Church.
Frustrations Over Immigration Restrictions
The congress’s call comes amid growing frustration among foreign Catholic priests in South Africa who have been forced to leave due to visa issues.
Recently, two Ugandan priests — Father Stephen Syambi of the Diocese of Klerksdorp and Father Jude Thaddeus of the Diocese of De Aar — were compelled to leave after unsuccessful visa renewal processes.
Cardinal Stephen Brislin, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, expressed solidarity with affected clergy and encouraged them to seek solutions.
Key Themes of the Congress
Organized by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), the five-day event brought together bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, lay leaders, youth, and Catholic media professionals.
Participants explored Africa’s theological contributions to the global Church, women and youth participation, and urgent societal issues such as human trafficking, religious persecution, and environmental challenges.
Push for Self-Reliance and Missionary Support
The delegates called for increased self-reliance through transparent resource generation and management.
They urged stronger material and spiritual support for clergy and pastoral workers.
They also proposed creating an African-led missionary fund to assist African missionaries worldwide.
Valuing Africa’s Cultural and Spiritual Richness
The statement described Africa as “a gift to the world,” rich in faith, culture, and values.
It praised the African family as a moral foundation, upholding traditions of solidarity, hospitality, and care.
Delegates affirmed the vital roles of women, youth, and elders in preserving these values and leading renewal efforts.
Message of Hope in Christ
Central to the congress was Pope Leo XIV’s message of hope and solidarity.
Delegates emphasized that hope is not just an idea but a person — Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.
They called Him the foundation of faith, courage, and resilience, especially in the face of war, poverty, corruption, and environmental crises.
Hope as a Force for Healing and Reconciliation
The statement stressed that hope in Christ empowers African communities to heal from displacement, forced migration, and loss of dignity.
It inspires new structures of love, reconciliation, and care for creation.
They concluded that this hope is a theological virtue rooted in the Resurrection — a trust that God continues to create, restore, and bring light out of darkness.
David Awoyode