Justice and Peace
Continental Meeting for Africa
23rd-28th January 1998

Participants

NAME NATIONALITY WHERE ACTIVE

Fr. Jean Paré Canadian Canada
Fr. Franco Cellana Italian Italy
Sr. Joselice Santi Brazilian Italy
Fr. Bagenda Leo Ugandan Tanzania
Sr. Maria Trinidad D. Colombian Tanzania
Fr. Carlos Matias D. Portuguese South Africa
Sr. Aldina Predieri Italian Ethiopia
Fr. Ottone Cantore Italian Ethiopia
Fr. Rogelio Alarcòn Colombian Mozambique
Fr. Jaime C. Patias Brazilian Mozambique
Sr. Odonia N. Avelino Brazilian Mozambique
Fr. Virgilio Pante Italian Kenya
Fr. Eugenio Ferrari Italian Kenya
Sr. Carla Tappi Italian Kenya
Sr. Adriana Medina Colombian Guinea-Bissau
Fr. Ngaba Rombaut Congolese Congo

WORKING PROCEDURE

Language: Italian (+ Portuguese)
Moderator: Fr. Jean Paré
Secretaries: Sr. Aldina Predieri and Fr. Ottone Cantore
Liturgy: Fr. Jaime Patias and Sr. Maria Trinidad
PROGRAMME:
Reports
General reports
Continental Justice and Peace Team (J&P)
Consequences for Circumscriptions
Lecture by Secretary of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC)
Solidarity Fund
Central Co-ordinating Group
Emergency Cases (Zaire, Mombasa)
Visit to IMC and MC houses in Dar es Salaam.

GENESIS OF THE J&P TEAM

Sr. JOSELICE explained that at the Nepi Convention on our missionary spirituality (5-10 Nov. 1990) MC/IMC adopted the commitment to J&P. Some regions began activities for a little while, but then did not continue them.
In preparing for the 1993 Chapter, it became clear that knowledge of the Church's Social Doctrine was inadequate. Consequently, during the Chapter that year, great emphasis was laid on formation and commitment in the specific area of J&P.
This was first highlighted by the MC Sisters in the continental meetings of Nairobi and Bogotà. Following the Intercapitular meeting and the Consultation, MC/IMC commissions began to work together at the meetings of Caracas, Madrid and Dar es Salaam.

Fr. FRANCO CELLANA explained the IMC's journey towards J&P.
As far back as the 1987 Chapter, special attention was given to J&P in order to raise awareness, sensitise communities and society, and enter into communion with other organisations.

A co-ordinating Commission came into being under the leadership of
Fr. Trabucco, who oversaw the publication of two bulletins. However, this initiative came to nothing because it received no contribution from the Circumscriptions.
In the 1993 Chapter, emphasis was given to awareness-raising in J&P:
- Use the means at our disposal for the service we must give.
- Sensitise society to this subject.
- Communicate with other organisations.
After the 1993 Chapter, it was again suggested that regional J&P teams be created.
Two bulletins were published.

REPORTS

ETHIOPIA
(Fr. Ottone Cantore and Sr. Aldina Predieri)

A particular source of information concerning J&P are the reports of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), a group which seeks and publishes documentation on the violation of rights.
The country is at peace, but there is notable feeling of resentment towards the government, with armed clashes in some zones.
Tribalism is strong.
JUSTICE is scarce. The government is responsible for summary killings, torture, massacres, detentions and many other violations of human rights, in complete disregard of the law.
There are signs of hope. The fact that EHRCO continues to exist today is an indication of a greater freedom of expression than existed in the communist period.
The Catholic Church works through a J&P Commission.
Courses on the subject of J&P are offered both to religious and in the major seminary. In the IMC and MC too, seminars are held on the J&P situation in the country.

KENYA
(Fr. Virgilio Pante)

Since 1994, the IMC has had a J&P Commission which gathers information and animates the Region.
Bishops seek to guide prophetically and strongly denounce abuses.
The Catholic Church represents a powerful force and is one of the few organisations that can speak out.
In the IMC, the J&P sector has merged with the sectors of the Pastoral Commission and of Permanent Formation. We seek to avoid excesses, either in doing nothing or in being too much in the public eye.
The delegate seeks to animate J&P concerns during zone meetings. He communicates with J&P organisations in Kenya and comments on the letters of bishops concerning grave violations of human rights, such as those of Likoni-Mombasa and among the Samburu.

KENYA
(Sr. Carla Tappi)

Since 1989, the MC has had a Community Chest for solidarity and sharing. Salaries were reconsidered and increased in 1991. In 1994, a social analysis was undertaken and a commitment made to refugees. In 1996, the J&P Commission was created.
We are particularly active in the field of the promotion of women. In the area of J&P, there is little collaboration between IMC and MC.

MOZAMBIQUE
(Sr. Odonia Avelino, Fr. Jaime Patias and Fr. Rogelio Alarcòn)

Both IMC/MC and the bishops of Mozambique are involved in a great project of formation and information. Various magazines take up a prophetic stance, announcing, denouncing and clarifying in the process of democratisation that the country has been undergoing since 1992. The focal points of this movement are (1) the 1992 Peace Treaty, and (2) the free elections of 1994.
The figure of the Social Integrator is extremely important as a local agent of pacification and reconciliation.
In the J&P sector, the IMC and MC work with great commitment in the various diocesan commissions.
A slow change for the better is notable in the country, i.e., greater freedom and more respect for human rights.
The challenges facing the country are great:
- A drop in the price of raw materials with a consequent further impoverishment of the poor.
- A noteworthy technological progress which prejudices many people's working opportunities.
- A divergence between rich and poor countries which provokes the emigration of workers in precarious conditions.

ZAIRE - CONGO
(Fr. Ngaba Rombaut)

The relator spoke about the situation before and after the war, i.e., from before the war up to the transfer of power.
The Church at times sided with Mobutu, at times against, especially in the person of Card. Malula. In 1990, the multi-party system came into being. In October 1996, war broke out. Kabila, who is presently in power, gives rise to a feeling of insecurity. Tension and killings continue.
And our commitment as IMC? We sought to do something in defence of the people. December 1994 marked the beginning of the J&P Commission. This body works a lot with the laity, especially in the missions, both in formation and denouncing injustice. Social analysis is undertaken and abuses denounced, in both schools and hospitals.
The official Church has done little for the people in the field of J&P. Mobutu knew that he could bribe a bishop, silencing him with a gift. The best J&P workers are lay people formed by missionaries.
During the emergency, some lay people defended the missions, others sacked them.

TANZANIA
(Fr. Leo Bagenda and Sr. Maria Trinidad Duque)

There is great poverty and society is corrupt. In the field of education, schools have no materials and are badly organised with the best teachers going to private schools. The rich send their children abroad. Exam results are sold.
As for healthcare, the State is almost totally absent. Only private clinics offer a good service.
Salaries are very low and so people tend to have two jobs. Unemployment is very high.
In our missions, salaries are higher than those offered by the State.
It is missionaries who stimulate the J&P movement. The bishops do nothing, even though the TANZANIA EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE has a J&P office.
There exists an organisation called Christian Professionals of Tanzania which is involved in various problems: AIDS, devaluation, the situation of Zanzibar, agriculture, police corruption, Islam, water, unemployment etc.
There is no J&P Commission in our two Institutes.

GUINEA-BISSAU
(Sr. Adriana Medina)

This is one of the world's poorest countries.
* Political situation: After the election of 1994, a process of democratisation began, yet a feeling of malaise is widespread.
* Economic situation: The people are grindingly poor. Salaries are paid with 5-6 months delay. Prostitution and delinquency are rampant.
* Healthcare situation. Life expectancy is 47 years. Infant mortality reaches 143 per 1000. The Church supports the study of traditional medicine.
* Education is minimal. Only the rich can afford private schools; only 10% of the population knows Portuguese; illiteracy stands at 69%.
* The Church has only one diocese and represents 7% of the population (including Protestants). The Church is committed:
- To forming the agents of change.
- To teaching adults to read and write.
- To greater justice for our workers.
- To denouncing injustice and defending life.
- To understanding the situation.
- To sensitising women to save twins who would otherwise be killed because they are traditionally believed to carry evil spirits.

LIBERIA
(Sr. Adriana Medina)

Liberia is extremely poor, and is now emerging frail and weak after seven years of civil war. The repatriation of refugees is extremely difficult because villages and homes have been destroyed and unemployment is very high. Charles Taylor governs but does nothing for the economy.
There is peace, but tensions and insecurity remain, and banditry is prevalent.
The Church is seeking new ways to evangelise. The members of the J&P Commission of the Catholic Church are attentive to the situation and quick to denounce violations of human rights.
Recently, Radio Veritas (Catholic) accused the government of having killed the leader of the opposition and for this reason the government threatened to close the station.

The MC Sisters remained in Buchanan for almost the entire period of the war. There they assist many sick people and have reopened a school with 400 children. The Tappita Community, which had sought refuge in Ivory Coast, is returning to Liberia.
An attempt is being made to reconstruct, morally and physically, the life of the people which was destroyed by the trauma of war. Life is being promoted, along with honesty, rectitude, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation.

SOUTH AFRICA
(Fr. Carlos Matias Domingos)

The country was developed by the Boers who spread from the Cape around 1500. The economy is very advanced and is based on gold, diamonds, titanium etc. Problems began around 1900. According to the Boers, there are three enemies: Blacks, Communists and Catholics.
The reason for this is that the Catholic Church never accepted apartheid and worked for the education of the poor and of blacks.

The ANC and the Nationalist Party were formed in 1913. The best lands were taken from the blacks who were forced into "locations and seven "homelands".
Since 1990, apartheid has continued at an economic level. There is a middle class. Two thirds of the population have potable water in their homes. Healthcare is good. Roads are better than in Italy.

As for Justice, there is respect for everyone but there has been a notable increase in criminality. Only 11% of the people pay for services. Four or five million foreigners have entered the country.
What is the commitment of the IMC in the J&P sector? We live among the blacks. In the homelands, we bring reconciliation, openness and assistance.

TWO QUESTIONS

1 What is the principal aspect of the Church in Africa?

A. She is a prophetic voice, though very sporadic and superficial. A constant gradual increase of faith is noticeable in communities.

2 What characterises African society?

A. Very scarce education
Precarious health
Corruption
Tribalism
Non-democratic politics
Nepotism
The disadvantages of Neo-Liberalism
Poverty as a result of colonialism and passivity
Ill-prepared leaders.

CONTINENTAL TEAM FOR AFRICA

EVOLUTION IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE IMC-MC

Fr. Jean Paré spoke of the evolution of a social conscience in the Church over the last fifty years, both in the Universal Church and the African Church. Noteworthy examples of the African Church taking up important positions are:
- Documents of the bishops of Zaire, Mozambique and Kenya.
- SECAM documents on human rights.
- The Synod for Africa: nos. 105-121.

The IMC has undergone the following developments:
- 1969 Chapter: nothing on J&P.
- 1981 Chapter: no. 76,2 and 82,3.
- 1987 Chapter: need for research and analysis into J&P.
- 1989 letter from the Sup. General: Evangelisation and Solidarity.
- 1993 Chapter: presentation of J&P values (choice, style, options).
The same values were proposed during the 1993 Chapter of the MC.

Sr. Joselice Santi emphasised the concrete choices that have to be made in the field of J&P as an integral part of New Evangelisation.

WORK DONE by IMC-MC IN THE CIRCUMSCRIPTIONS
SOUTH AFRICA
1978-1991:Study on how to begin work, how to stand alongside the poor.
1991: We go to live in the "locations".
Three or four IMC members are in contact with various local organisations.
No J&P Commission exists.

CONGO
The J&P Commission does exist, but a plan is lacking.

LIBERIA AND GUINEA BISSAU
At present, no J&P Commission exists.
The next Regional Conference will take appropriate measures.

MOZAMBIQUE
No J&P Commission yet exists, though one will be formed.

KENYA
MC and IMC have separate Commissions.
Representatives from the two Institutes meet 2-3 times a year.

TANZANIA
There is no J&P Commission for either MC or IMC, though the need for one is felt.
One combined J&P Commission for the two Institutes is proposed.

ETHIOPIA
IMC: J&P Commission exists and undertakes research and reflection.
MC: Not yet.
A combined J&P Commission is proposed.

Sr. JOSELICE e Fr. FRANCO proposed giving concrete form to the choices made at the Chapter as a road to be travelled together by the IMC and MC in the different Circumscriptions.
Each Circumscription should have a mixed commission with the following tasks:
1. Studying together the real local situation of the Church and the country.
2. Personal and community awareness-raising.
3. Passing information to communities, Regional Curias and Formation Centres. Taking concrete initiatives.
4. Favouring involvement with other similar organisations.
5. Acquiring appropriate material and documentation.

Fr. METHODI KILAINI, secretary of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, gave a lecture on J&P.
On the subject of J&P, the Church must be understood and judged in the historical context in which she lives. Normally, she reacts to a particular situation.
In the first part of his address, the speaker presented the Church's Social Doctrine of the last century.
More important for us was the second part on, Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Prior to Christianity, there were two kinds of society:
a - Large and highly-developed tribes.
b - Clans
Christianity entered more easily among the large tribes (e.g., in. Rwanda), but recent crises lead us to ask ourselves whether the conversion was genuine.

- In the Colonial period, we can identify:
A - The 15th and 16th centuries, characterised by slavery and violence. The government was in the hands of soldiers and adventurers. Church and State acted together to subdue the pagans, by which process the Church became an instrument of the colonialist State. The consequences of this state of affairs was maintained up to independence in, for example, Mozambique and Angola.
B - From the 17th to 20th centuries, characterised by stability, the concept of law, and J&P. Production was to the advantage of the European colonial State and this also gave rise to well-being and education among the locals. During this phase, a certain distance grew between Church and State. The Church preached human dignity but she neither helped the government nor opposed it, except when it went counter to evangelisation.

With the coming of independence, two phases may be identified.
A - Up to 1990. Support was forthcoming from the East, which was anti-clerical. Socialism preached ideals but was unable to put them into practice. In many countries, independence proved worse than colonialism. Subjects had to obey and their leaders were uncontrolled and "ad vitam". There was no democracy.
The Church was afraid to speak out so as not to be accused of being colonialist; she did not embody J&P.
B - Since 1990. With the fall of communism, there was a greater awareness of human rights. Episcopal Conferences (e.g., Kenya and Tanzania) began to denounce social evils, observe elections and make a contribution to the new Constitutions. The Synod for Africa emphasised that the Church should have a role in J&P, that she may be "the good Samaritan" in modern-day Africa.

What is the Role of the Church in the current phase? To favour the integral development of man, fight against corruption, give rise to international solidarity, combat evil customs. Missionaries assist in better understanding the situation and in maintaining contact with foreign countries. It is necessary to activate mechanisms of self-criticism that render us transparent in our management of charity. In this field lay people are well ahead of us; e.g., the "Christian Professionals of Tanzania" are very sensitive to J&P.

SOLIDARITY FUND

Sr. JOSELICE explained that the Continent of America of the MC has such a fund; it is the result of the Regions pooling resources and is used for emergencies in the field of J&P.
Fr. FRANCO explained that in the case of the IMC, the Institute gives the Regions a subsidy for the poor, evangelisation, emergencies etc.

CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING GROUP
Fr. JEAN PARE' explained the twofold function of this group:

* Co-ordinating information (using fax and internet).
* Giving logistical assistance to continental meetings.

Documents are accepted in the five languages used by the IMC. The Group is based in North America.
Following long discussions regarding the Continental Team, the following decisions were reached with unanimous approval:

DECISIONS CONCERNING THE CONTINENTAL TEAM

1 AIMS OF THE CONTINENTAL TEAM :

- Exchange of information (experiences and documents).
- Evaluation of the activities of Circumscriptions.
- Formation by experts.
- Planning of activities.

2 MEMBERS OF THE TEAM :

- An MC Sister/IMC Father for each J&P Commission of a Circumscription.
- Two General Councillors and a Co-ordinator General.
- This continental team does not see an immediate need for the presence of lay people among its members. However, it insists that the laity should be represented on the Commissions of the Circumscriptions. There should also be lay people among the experts in formation.

3 MEANS

A) At first, the meeting should take place once a year and last at least three days. Later, once every two years will suffice.
B) - Financing : Circumscriptions should discuss the following proposals:
1. Travel expenses to be paid by the Region and other expenses by the General Curias.
2 Use of a solidarity fund.
C) - Available means of communication should be used: internet, fax etc.

- All information should be sent the Central Co-ordinating Group.
- The Central Co-ordinating Group should begin work on preparing a J&P Directory. It would be useful if a first draft could be ready for the next continental meeting.

4 CALENDAR AND PROGRAMME

It is proposed that the next African Continental Meeting take place:
- In Maputo
- After Epiphany 1999, from 8 Jan. to 15 Jan.

- Possible topics:
- Human rights
- Social analysis of J&P
- How to promote J&P

VIEWS & CHOICES OF CIRCUMSCRIPTIONS

As a consequence of this long discussion and the decisions taken, delegates from each Circumscription, meeting together, projected and defined the following commitments:

ETHIOPIA

- Provide information regarding the Continental Team.
- Encourage Regional Curias to choose a financing method.
- Form a mixed commission (IMC & MC) with the following tasks:
1. Communicating information.
2. Appointing a person in the Commission whose task it is to communicate with the Centre.
3. Participating in J&P organisations inside and outside the Church.
4. Sending information to the Central Co-ordinating Group.
5. Sending photocopies of material for the J&P Directory (e.g., Regional Conferences).
6. Studying the insertion of lay people.

SOUTH AFRICA

- Provide information regarding the meeting: the aspects discussed, the objectives and the means necessary to contribute to a J&P culture in South Africa.
- Promote interest and sensitivity in this matter among our confreres in the Circumscription.
- Study the possibility of collaborating with a local J&P group.
- Gather information regarding this topic and send it to the Central Co-ordinating Group.
- Within our own group, stimulate reflection and opinion on points of particular interest: salaries, projects to be supported, personal lifestyles.
- Send photocopies of material for the J&P Directory (e.g., Regional Conferences).

MOZAMBIQUE

- Send a report on this meeting to Regional Superiors and Communities.
- Request the Superiors to create a single Justice and Peace Commission with a combined leadership.
- Draw up a workplan to reflect:
The proposals of MC-IMC Chapters.
The proposals suggested in this Continental Meeting and in Regional Conferences.
- The commission should be made up of:
- Two IMC Fathers.
- Two MC Sisters.
- Two lay persons (a man and a woman).
- Inform Regional Curias of the proposals made at this meeting regarding the financing of the Continental J&P Team.
- Send information to the Central Group.
- Send in material and documents for the compilation of the J&P Directory.
- Start a "joint fund" for the Commission, drawing resources from:

a) Fund for "evangelisation and the poor" (IMC).
b) "Community Chest" fund and "Solidarity fund" (MC).
c) Presentation of the project to an NGO.
d) Self-denial campaign among missionaries.
e) Other offerings.

TANZANIA

- As soon as possible, present a report to communities outlining the content of this "Justice and Peace" meeting.
- Establish a dialogue with the respective IMC-MC Curias in order to:
Create the commission.
Acquire the means of communication.
Prepare the budget.
- Seek to contact the National J&P Director.
- Organise at least one awareness-raising seminar on a J&P theme.
- Send information to the Central Co-ordinating Group.
- Send photocopies of material for the J&P Directory (e.g., Regional Conferences).

GUINEA-BISSAU

- Provide information regarding this meeting.
- Undertake formation, studying real situations so as to better understand injustices and provide responses.
- Sensitise pastoral care workers in the sectors to J&P issues.
- Send information to the Central Co-ordinating Group.
- Send photocopies of material for the J&P Directory (e.g., Regional Conferences).

LIBERIA

- Provide information regarding this meeting.
- Create the team, together with lay people.
- Integrate with the J&P Commission that already exists in the diocese.
- Send information to the Central Co-ordinating Group.
- Send photocopies of material for the J&P Directory (e.g., Regional Conferences).

CONGO

- Provide information regarding this meeting and the Continental Team.
- Consolidate the Regional Commission.
- Sensitise our confreres to the issue.
- Continue forming leaders among the laity.
- Send information to the Central Co-ordinating Group.

KENYA

- As soon as possible, provide Regional Curias with a report.
- Schedule a meeting with representatives of the J&P Commissions so as to exchange information and programmes.
- For the IMC, give a report during the monthly meetings.
- Organise a twice-yearly meeting between IMC and MC representatives in Kenya (of the J&P Commission).
- Ask the Region's and the Commission's opinion regarding the financial aspect.
- Send information to the Central Co-ordinating Group.
- Send photocopies of material for the J&P Directory (e.g., Regional Conferences).

SOME EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Two recent situations were examined:

ZAIRE / CONGO
During the recent chaos of the invasion by the Kabila forces, the IMC was forced to take refuge in the forest. There was a brief daily contact with the General Curia by radio and internet. From the west, information was passed in the press and via the UN. The General Curia advised everyone to abandon the missions and withdraw to Kinshasa.
Evaluation. The IMC remained very close to the missionaries in danger. The contact made in Rome with other institutes working in Zaire proved to be a great help.

LIKONI-MOMBASA
The problem was caused by the government's seeking to drive out immigrants because they did not vote in its favour. These people suffered brutalities and killings. From August to December 1997, 3500 sought refuge in the mission. Both the IMC and the MC gave considerable help. Fr. Lombardo organised matters, calling on the police for defence and sending daily reports to Rome via internet. When journalists arrived, caution was observed, and it was shown that we work in order to save human life.
Evaluation. The timely communication of news proved extremely useful. It is necessary to treat the media with caution. The bishops courageously denounced the unjust situation.

JUSTICE AND PEACE MINISTRY

The group agreed to adopt certain standpoints:
- We missionaries must not be protagonists; rather we must seek to illuminate an understanding of the situation, raise awareness, collaborate and stimulate concrete initiatives.
- As missionaries we must speak through the voice of local leaders, because they are freer from pressure.
- The IMC and MC must give more reflection to the positions they adopt together, as has happened, for example, in Roraima, Congo, Mozambique.
- In a general sense, we are too cautious. We must choose analysis, involvement and prophecy.
- We must squarely face our lives, our communities and other groups so as to be more authentic witnesses. Actions to help the weakest are more important than words.
- In the spirit of the Gospel and the Charism, our missionary service brings us to promote human rights and to denounce injustice (corruption, unjust laws, the market etc.).
- New Evangelisation aims to promote individuals and a more dignified life. J&P is an essential element thereof.

JUSTICE AND PEACE ORGANISATIONS

Fr. Franco informed us about some J&P groups.

AFRICA-EUROPE FAITH JUSTICE NETWORK (AEFJN)
An organisation to which 48 missionary institutes belong
Based in Brussels. "Antenna Italia" in Rome.
Its aims: Intervention in dealings between the European Union and the Africa-Pacific-Caribbean region; application of pressure for greater justice in reciprocal laws of coexistence, market, rights etc.
Receives material from us. Respects the privacy of each institute and has the power to intervene.

SEDOS
There are 196 religious institutes among its members.
It organises study, reflection and meetings on J&P issues.

PAX CHRISTI - JUSTITIA ET PAX - JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMISSION
These organisations are attentive to situations and emergencies that involve J&P.
There have members who represent missionary institutes.
All request documentation on J&P situations.

MISSIONARY SERVICE NEWS AGENCY (MISNA)
The news agency of Italian institutes.

CAMPAIGNS
Participation in various campaigns associated with J&P:
"Debt Cancellation 2000"
Promoted by the Pope.
Gathering of signatures, radio programmes, magazines etc.
"Not on coca alone"
"The problem of arms' " Mines" etc.

EVALUATION OF THE MEETING

The following positive aspects were noted:
- Seriousness, fraternity, reciprocal interest.
- Greater awareness of reality.
- Utility of Fathers and Sisters working together and deeply considering this aspect of J&P which is so essential for the mission today.
- Good organisation.

Certain problematic aspects were identified:
- A feeling of some pressure to arrive at appointing the Continental Team.
- Scant sensitivity in grassroots communities.
- Absence of some circumscriptions in the mixed J&P Commission.
- Language: At the moment a meeting is called, it would be useful to define the language to be used.
- Length of the meeting: Judged to be too short.
- Speakers: Not to be limited to Italians.
In coming meetings, a certain measure of continuity is to be hoped for by the presence of the same delegates.