SECAM members called to exercise true faith during the golden jubilee celebrations.

By; Jjunju Francis

Africans are challenged against selling their fruits of faith to what is called “Crude materialism” that is slowly eating up the continent.

The bishop of Mthatha in South Africa Rt. Rev. Sithembele SIPUKA the 2^nd Vice President of SECAM while delivering his homily at the inaugural ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar SECAM said many have been taken by material wealth, losing the spirit of selfless service for others with love and passion but rather build emperors around them.

Bishop SIPUKA was at Secret Heart Cathedral Lubaga –Uganda in a mass led by the President of SECAM Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi of Angola insisting on self examination, renew of faith and committing more to SECAM with contributions that will make it stronger to avoid begging that exposes them to the waves of the donor.

Besides the achievements attained in the 50 years of SECAM not only in faith but also in corroboration with governments to promote truth and Justice the continent is infested with the challenge of land grabbing and conditioned with the habit of buying essential commodities instead of farming which areas must urgently be addressed.

The inaugural ceremony held under the theme; Church – Family of God in Africa, Celebrate your Jubilee! Proclaim Jesus Christ your Saviour, saw the unveiling of the banner clearly showing the symbols of the logo depicting what SECAM is about, presentation of materials for all Association of Episcopal Conferences on the Content and flags of all countries making the associations.

The Archbishop of Gulu His Grace John Baptist Odama who is also the chairman Uganda Episcopal conference hailed the executive board of SECAM for not forgetting their roots urging Uganda to utilize such a blessing to help in the celebrations that will be closed next year in July 29, 2019.

The Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga said cooperation is the way to go in the current area, rally support for SECAM from all members as one family.

Each month from today will have a specific area of celebration; August 2018 will be around Ecclesial Communities, September 2018 around the word of God, catechists and animators, October 2018 it will around mission and apostolate by the religious, November 2018 will be around saints and martyrs of Africa and Madagascar, December 2018 will be around life and creation. In the year of 2019, January will be about Family, February for the Sick, March for refugees, April for vocations, childhood and youth, May Mary and the Woman, June professional groups and political actors while July will be for the solemn celebrations.