The Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) has adopted a synodal approach to promote peace and justice in the region. This was contained in a Resolution issued at the end of the 5th Plenary Assembly of RECOWA, held at the Hotel Fleur de Lys in Dakar, Senegal, from 5 to 12 May, 2025.
In the Resolution signed by the President of RECOWA, Most Rev. Alexis Touabli Youlo, and the Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Anaehobi, the bishops emphasized the need for a synodal Church where all members walk together in co-responsibility. “Walking together and carried by the Holy Spirit, the Lord calls us in this time to renew our way of being Church: not as a fixed structure, but as a people on the move, listening to the Spirit,” the bishops stated.
The bishops noted that a synodal Church embodies a vision of true communion and evangelical solidarity, where gifts are shared among local Churches. “Each community, rich in its charisms, experiences, and resources, is not an isolated entity, but a living member of a single body,” they said.
The resolution also emphasized the importance of self-reliance, stating that the Church should rely primarily on the concrete commitment of its members, rather than external support. “This autonomy, which is not only financial, but also cultural and pastoral, aims to foster shared responsibility between the faithful and leaders, anchoring the Church in its local reality.”.
The bishops identified several key areas of focus for promoting peace and justice in West Africa, including educating for peace, promoting intercommunity dialogue, developing an inclusive economy, reforming the security sector, and fighting corruption and violent extremism.
“We urgently appeal to educators to integrate civic education, mutual acceptance, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts more strongly into school curricula,” the bishops stated. They also called on governments to strengthen judicial institutions and oversight mechanisms to combat corruption and crime.
The bishops in their message, expressed gratitude to the government and people of Senegal for their warm welcome and hospitality. “May the blessing of the Lord descend abundantly upon each and every one, and may our God and Father continue to make our Churches living instruments of synodality, peace, justice, and reconciliation,” they prayed.
The 5th Plenary Assembly of RECOWA brought together 148 participants, including 2 Cardinals, 101 Archbishops and Bishops, 27 priests, 5 people of consecrated life, and 13 lay faithful. The theme of the meeting was “For a synodal and Self-reliant Church at the service of justice and peace in West Africa.”
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