Chapter, Paragraph, Number
1 Intro, 0 | The Church which is in Africa celebrated with joy and
2 Intro, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
3 Intro, 0 | centuries of Christianity in Africa, the Pastors of this Continent,
4 Intro, 0 | events seemed to be tempting Africa to discouragement and despair.~
5 Intro, 0 | prospects of evangelization in Africa on the threshold of the
6 Intro, 0 | of the Catholic Church in Africa, I begin the celebration
7 Intro, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa, I am promulgating the text
8 Intro, 0 | importance for the Church in Africa.~
9 Intro, 0 | event, the Church of God in Africa experienced true moments
10 Intro, 0 | Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar~3. It is
11 Intro, 0 | climate that the Bishops of Africa and Madagascar present at
12 Intro, 0 | cooperation among the Bishops of Africa later became permanent in
13 Intro, 0 | Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
14 Intro, 0 | the first of a Pope to Africa in modern times.~
15 Intro, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops~
16 Intro, 0 | opportunities for the Church in Africa to make its voice heard
17 Intro, 0 | the Synod Fathers from Africa happily took the occasion
18 Intro, 0 | problems of evangelization in Africa. It was then that the Bishops
19 Intro, 0 | evaluating evangelization in Africa vis-à-vis the great choices
20 Intro, 0 | Conferences and of each Bishop of Africa and Madagascar was organized,
21 Intro, 0 | convoke a Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
22 Intro, 0 | some time by the Bishops of Africa, priests, theologians and
23 Intro, 0 | The Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
24 Intro, 0 | Lord visited his people in Africa. Indeed, this Continent
25 Intro, 0 | seems that the "hour of Africa" has come, a favourable
26 Intro, 0 | so today the Church in Africa, joyful and grateful for
27 Intro, 0 | about the Tomb of Peter. Africa was present there, in its
28 Intro, 0 | instruments. On that occasion Africa felt that it was, in the
29 Intro, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops,
30 Intro, 0 | or another have at heart Africa's spiritual and material
31 Intro, 0 | The Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
32 Intro, 0 | before it: "The Church in Africa and her evangelizing mission
33 Intro, 0 | situation of the Church in Africa, recalling the different
34 Intro, 0 | challenges facing the Church in Africa on the eve of the Year 2000
35 Intro, 0 | of Christ's witnesses in Africa, so that they will make
36 Intro, 0 | responsibilities of the Church in Africa as a missionary Church:
37 I, 0 | This Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
38 I, 0 | fundamental importance for Africa, a kairos, a moment of grace,
39 I, 0 | make their pilgrim way in Africa, whose faith and witness
40 I, 0 | 6:67-69). The Bishops of Africa, in whom the Catholic Church
41 I, 0 | Churches which everywhere in Africa are on pilgrimage towards
42 I, 0 | this faith, the Bishops of Africa entrusted their Continent
43 I, 0 | and his Church, can save Africa from its present difficulties
44 I, 0 | Assembly, the Bishops of Africa publicly proclaimed their
45 I, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa rejoiced to see how African
46 I, 0 | that the local Churches of Africa hold a rightful place in
47 I, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
48 I, 0 | minds, the Special Synod for Africa, Madagascar and the Islands
49 I, 0 | them, we, the Bishops of Africa, together with all the participants
50 I, 0 | to you, Family of God in Africa, to you, the Family of God
51 I, 0 | exhort all God?s People in Africa to accept with open hearts
52 I, 0 | many evils which oppress Africa today. The Fathers explored
53 I, 0 | characterizes numerous parts of Africa, and despite the sad situations
54 I, 0 | about the future of both Africa and any other part of the
55 I, 0 | enriched. The Church in Africa testifies to the truth of
56 I, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa, I indicated the reason
57 I, 0 | pastoral solidarity throughout Africa and the adjacent Islands".
58 I, 0 | the life of the Church in Africa, and in particular should
59 I, 0 | During my Pastoral Visits in Africa, I frequently referred to
60 I, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa and to the principal aims
61 I, 0 | Assembly — "The Church in Africa and her evangelizing mission
62 I, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa, and to feel that they were
63 I, 0 | which links the Church in Africa with the universal Church,
64 I, 0 | commitment of all the faithful to Africa.~
65 I, 0 | question facing the Church in Africa consists in delineating
66 I, 0 | challenge for the Church in Africa.~It is of course true "that
67 I, 0 | the Church's message in Africa inescapably entailed consideration
68 I, 0 | the Church's message in Africa? That same Assembly had
69 I, 0 | credibility of the Church in Africa depended upon Bishops and
70 I, 0 | levels and especially in Africa, in the preparations for
71 I, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops,
72 I, 0 | of ten Pastoral Visits to Africa and Madagascar, going to
73 I, 0 | with the People of God in Africa. I also took advantage of
74 I, 0 | of the Special Synod for Africa. In addition, on three separate
75 I, 0 | the particular Churches of Africa. The Assembly of SECAM in
76 I, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops,
77 I, 0 | members of the Church in Africa — clergy, religious and
78 I, 0 | of the entire Church in Africa at all levels".34~
79 I, 0 | God wills to save Africa~27. The Apostle of the Gentiles
80 I, 0 | embraces all the peoples of Africa. Divine Providence willed
81 I, 0 | Divine Providence willed that Africa should be present during
82 I, 0 | God's salvific plan for Africa. One of the Scriptural readings,
83 I, 0 | who reached the heart of Africa undoubtedly felt an astonishment
84 I, 0 | God's salvific plan for Africa is at the origin of the
85 I, 0 | follows that the Church in Africa is itself called to play
86 I, 0 | said that "the Church in Africa is a missionary Church and
87 I, 0 | The Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
88 II | CHAPTER II~THE CHURCH IN AFRICA~
89 II, 1 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops,
90 II, 1 | by God in the course of Africa's evangelization. It is
91 II, 1 | evangelization of Egypt and North Africa. A second phase, involving
92 II, 1 | and to all the peoples of Africa concerning the promotion
93 II, 1 | the glorious splendour of Africa's Christian past: "We think
94 II, 1 | the Christian Churches of Africa whose origins go back to
95 II, 1 | Christian life in the North of Africa was most vigorous and had
96 II, 1 | centuries of the Church in Africa, certain women also bore
97 II, 1 | the Christian writers of Africa remain today a basic source
98 II, 1 | ancient glories of Christian Africa, we wish to express our
99 II, 1 | Christian name alive in Africa through all the vicissitudes
100 II, 1 | the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. That endeavour included
101 II, 1 | first native Bishop of Black Africa.~It was during this period,
102 II, 1 | of the evangelization of Africa came to an end in the eighteenth
103 II, 1 | phase~33. The third phase of Africa's systematic evangelization
104 II, 1 | Peoples clearly demonstrate.40 Africa has responded with great
105 II, 1 | growth of the Church in Africa over the last hundred years
106 II, 1 | of the present period of Africa's evangelization are illustrated
107 II, 1 | by the Saints whom modern Africa has given to the Church.
108 II, 1 | wonderful stories of ancient Africa ... For from the Africa
109 II, 1 | Africa ... For from the Africa that was sprinkled with
110 II, 1 | emerging a free and redeemed Africa".41~
111 II, 1 | The list of Saints that Africa gives to the Church, the
112 II, 1 | the Special Assembly for Africa? "Other causes are reaching
113 II, 1 | final stages. The Church in Africa must furnish and write her
114 II, 1 | growth of the Church in Africa over the last hundred years
115 II, 1 | splendour of the Church in Africa, the Synod Fathers only
116 II, 1 | God's marvellous deeds for Africa's liberation and salvation.~"
117 II, 1 | achievements of the Church in Africa are due largely to the heroic
118 II, 1 | everyone. The hallowed soil of Africa is truly sown with the tombs
119 II, 1 | Gospel.~When the Bishops of Africa met in Rome for the Special
120 II, 1 | have preached the Gospel in Africa; for Sacred Scripture admonishes
121 II, 1 | the sons and daughters of Africa who served as co-workers
122 II, 1 | the Special Assembly for Africa. The seed sown at that time
123 II, 1 | are sons of the peoples of Africa, are eloquent witnesses
124 II, 1 | many sons and daughters of Africa who enter the older missionary
125 II, 1 | accomplishments of the Church in Africa in the areas of inculturation
126 II, 1 | cent of the population of Africa, Catholic health facilities
127 II, 1 | by the young Churches of Africa in order to bring the Gospel "
128 II, 1 | missionary Institutes founded in Africa have grown in number, and
129 II, 1 | ministry to the peoples of Africa; but she also accepts involvement
130 II, 1 | maturity which the Church in Africa has attained: this is what
131 II, 1 | What has become of Africa?~39. A little less than
132 II, 1 | After correctly noting that Africa is a huge Continent where
133 II, 1 | without any doubt, is that Africa is full of problems. In
134 II, 1 | rich and powerful nations, Africa has practically become an
135 II, 1 | Synod Fathers contemporary Africa can be compared to the man
136 II, 1 | dead (cf. Lk 10:30-37). Africa is a Continent where countless
137 II, 1 | The sons and daughters of Africa need an understanding presence
138 II, 1 | African culture~42. Although Africa is very rich in natural
139 II, 1 | The sons and daughters of Africa love life. It is precisely
140 II, 1 | the Saints? The peoples of Africa respect the life which is
141 II, 1 | solidarity and community life. In Africa it is unthinkable to celebrate
142 II, 1 | ardent hope and prayer that Africa will always preserve this
143 II, 1 | strongly in many parts of Africa, and people are demanding
144 II, 1 | satisfaction that the Church in Africa, faithful to its vocation,
145 II, 1 | disposal, the Church in Africa plays a leading role in
146 II, 1 | The Special Assembly for Africa expressed deep gratitude "
147 II, 1 | thanks to the Church in Africa for the role which it has
148 II, 2 | problems of the Church in Africa~
149 II, 2 | 46. The Bishops of Africa are faced with two fundamental
150 II, 2 | the Ecclesial Community in Africa must face today.~
151 II, 2 | God felt by the peoples of Africa. In order not to disappoint
152 II, 2 | the millions of people in Africa who are not yet evangelized.
153 II, 2 | Christian faith. Many people in Africa look beyond Africa for the
154 II, 2 | people in Africa look beyond Africa for the so-called ?freedom
155 II, 2 | This is why the Church in Africa feels challenged by the
156 II, 2 | Episcopal Conferences of Africa in their replies to the
157 II, 2 | political difficulties~51. "In Africa, the need to apply the Gospel
158 II, 2 | clearly showed that issues in Africa such as increasing poverty,
159 II, 3 | resources will the Church in Africa succeed in meeting the challenges
160 II, 3 | agents of evangelization in Africa. I have already referred
161 II, 3 | in the evangelization of Africa. In particular, the training
162 II, 3 | asked: Has the Church in Africa sufficiently formed the
163 II, 3 | of the men and women of Africa and of every other continent.~
164 III, 0 | of the first centuries, Africa can glory in its Martyrs
165 III, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
166 III, 0 | this is the challenge. In Africa these should be the fruits
167 III, 0 | very much",72 the Church in Africa, having become "a new homeland
168 III, 0 | Truth and the Life".76 To Africa, which is menaced on all
169 III, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa wished to be "the Synod
170 III, 0 | alive; we shall live!"78 Africa is not destined for death,
171 III, 0 | the Biblical Centre for Africa and Madagascar and the encouragement
172 III, 0 | rooting of the Gospel in Africa.88 It is "a requirement
173 III, 0 | ancient Eastern Churches of Africa, the Synod recommended "
174 III, 0 | for the evangelization of Africa.99 The Synod Fathers acknowledged
175 III, 0 | particularly appropriate for Africa. For this image emphasizes
176 III, 0 | hoped that theologians in Africa will work out the theology
177 III, 0 | Christ by their witness in Africa, Catholics are invited to
178 III, 0 | the life of the peoples of Africa. "The Church", they declared, "
179 III, 0 | and a critical mind.~In Africa, where oral transmission
180 IV, 1 | The Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
181 IV, 1 | Acts 4:12). Because in Africa there are millions who are
182 IV, 1 | 13, 14). If the Church in Africa makes a vigorous and unhesitating
183 IV, 1 | faith~76. The Church in Africa, in order to evangelize,
184 IV, 1 | mighty works of God' ".145~In Africa today "formation in the
185 IV, 1 | proclamation of the faith in Africa today. In particular they
186 IV, 1 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
187 IV, 1 | urgent task in the life of Africa's particular Churches. Only
188 IV, 1 | challenge of inculturation in Africa consists in ensuring that
189 IV, 1 | the "global village", in Africa as elsewhere in the world
190 IV, 1 | relations.~The Church in Africa is aware that it has to
191 IV, 2 | fundamental cell of society. In Africa in particular, the family
192 IV, 2 | 15) lived for a time in Africa, is the "prototype and example
193 IV, 2 | the Special Assembly for Africa affirmed that the goal of
194 IV, 2 | The Christian families of Africa will thus become true "domestic
195 V | SHALL BE MY WITNESSES" IN AFRICA~
196 V, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
197 V, 0 | was: the Church's task in Africa is immense; in order to
198 V, 0 | challenges his disciples in Africa and gives them the mandate
199 V, 0 | witnesses" (Acts 1:8) in Africa.~
200 V, 1 | expansion of the Church in Africa. The Synod recommends that
201 V, 1 | people~93. The Church in Africa knows well that youth are
202 V, 1 | circumstances of the mission in Africa, it is necessary to foster
203 V, 1 | that do not have houses in Africa" are not authorized "to
204 V, 1 | evangelization of the peoples of Africa and Madagascar, the Synodal
205 V, 2 | mission of the Church in Africa and Madagascar", thanks
206 V, 2 | backgrounds".201 The Church in Africa and Madagascar should therefore
207 V, 2 | and Higher Institutes in Africa have a prominent role to
208 V, 2 | the particular Churches in Africa have the objective of providing
209 VI, 0 | as the Family of God in Africa must bear witness to Christ
210 VI, 0 | states: "The Churches in Africa are also aware that, insofar
211 VI, 0 | about justice and peace in Africa consists in a good administration
212 VI, 0 | that there would arise in Africa holy politicians — both
213 VI, 0 | rule of law everywhere in Africa".217~
214 VI, 0 | international commerce.~Africa's economic problems are
215 VI, 0 | and people of integrity in Africa and elsewhere will be able
216 VI, 0 | positively the place and role of Africa in the universal Church
217 VI, 1 | and death in many parts of Africa. It noted the role played
218 VI, 1 | of wars which are tearing Africa apart: "For some decades
219 VI, 1 | apart: "For some decades now Africa has been the theatre of
220 VI, 1 | addition to causes external to Africa, also has internal causes
221 VI, 1 | 118. The Church in Africa — especially through some
222 VI, 1 | Those who foment wars in Africa by the arms trade are accomplices
223 VI, 1 | countries that sell arms to Africa to stop doing so, and it
224 VI, 1 | well-being of their people".227~Africa must continue to seek peaceful
225 VI, 1 | they may be, whether in Africa or on other Continents.~
226 VI, 1 | and their governments in Africa not to crush their peoples
227 VI, 1 | the condition of women in Africa. Their rights and duties
228 VI, 2 | of the evangelization of Africa, carefully taking into account
229 VI, 2 | underestimated. In many places in Africa they are still very useful
230 VI, 2 | salvation. In the Church in Africa many obstacles impede easy
231 VI, 2 | the particular Churches of Africa to do everything in their
232 VI, 2 | continental and worldwide. In Africa, the Church has a great
233 VI, 2 | cooperation which already exist in Africa, such as the Pan African
234 VII, 0 | the overall situation in Africa, in order to encourage an
235 VII, 0 | spirit of what I had said in Africa to a group of Bishops: "
236 VII, 0 | Christianity relevant to Africa, but Christ, in the members
237 VII, 0 | mission~128. The Church in Africa is not called to bear witness
238 VII, 0 | isolationism by the Church in Africa. At all times the Special
239 VII, 0 | acknowledged God's call to Africa to play its full part, at
240 VII, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa declared: "No particular
241 VII, 0 | Assembly strongly stressed Africa's responsibility for mission "
242 VII, 0 | the particular Churches of Africa for mission outside the
243 VII, 0 | all my Brother Bishops in Africa what I said a few years
244 VII, 0 | years ago: "The Church in Africa's obligation to be missionary
245 VII, 0 | continents. In this way Africa will be fully integrated
246 VII, 0 | engage the young Churches of Africa in mission "to the ends
247 VII, 0 | the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops
248 VII, 0 | overall pastoral solidarity in Africa, it is necessary to promote
249 VII, 0 | the particular Churches of Africa.~
250 VII, 0 | which have been present in Africa for a long time are now "
251 VII, 0 | dynamism of the Church in Africa.~
252 VII, 0 | the sons and daughters of Africa are called to holiness and
253 VII, 0 | repeat to all Christians in Africa what I wrote some years
254 VII, 0 | 137. The Church in Africa shares with the universal
255 VII, 0 | the Catholic Community in Africa to bear authentic witness
256 VII, 0 | beginning' ".262 The Church in Africa is called to reach out in
257 VII, 0 | man".263~In particular, Africa ought to make its own special
258 VII, 0 | the earth", the Church in Africa will no doubt be assisted
259 VII, 0 | desire that Christians in Africa will become ever more aware
260 VII, 0 | community, the Church in Africa does not seek advantages
261 VII, 0 | this reason the Church in Africa is convinced — as the work
262 Conclu, 0| mission of the Church in Africa on the threshold of the
263 Conclu, 0| Assembly to the Church in Africa, Madagascar and the adjacent
264 Conclu, 0| to the People of God in Africa for all that they did for
265 Conclu, 0| Christian communities of Africa ardently prayed for the
266 Conclu, 0| to enable the Church in Africa to assume its evangelizing
267 Conclu, 0| I invite God's People in Africa — Bishops, priests, consecrated
268 Conclu, 0| For all the peoples of Africa the best preparation for
269 Conclu, 0| the Special Assembly for Africa.~
270 Conclu, 0| invitation to God's People in Africa to prepare themselves for
271 Conclu, 0| coming Great Jubilee. And so Africa, which "is also in a sense
272 Conclu, 0| draws near, to her I entrust Africa and its evangelizing mission.
273 Conclu, 0| Pentecost~for the Church in Africa, Madagascar~and the adjacent
274 Conclu, 0| make of the cultures of Africa~places of communion in diversity,~
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