African bishops say pastoral challenges linked to social problems

Published: 2004-11-15

ROME (CNS) -- At a meeting to develop new forms of solidarity, African bishops explained to their European counterparts the pastoral challenges presented by poverty, AIDS, war, migration and Islamic expansion. The African bishops also emphasized that their local church life is much richer than the Western news headlines would sometimes suggest. The Nov. 10-13 symposium brought together more than 150 African and European bishops, seven Vatican officials and delegates from aid organizations in 62 countries. It was organized by the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, known by its acronym, CCEE, and the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. Some of the other topics at the meeting included the role of laity in the church and evangelization strategies.

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