LAGOS/Nigeria: Catholic Bishops representing the diverse regions of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) are set to gather in Lagos for the historic 50th-anniversary celebration of the Pan African Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS) from November 18 to 21.
Founded in 1973 in Ibadan by SECAM, CEPACS serves as the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications. Its primary focus is on managing and overseeing the communications apostolate in Africa, acting as the African region’s arm of the Catholic Church responsible for media-related matters, including press, radio, television, video, traditional, social media, and emerging forms of media.
“The forthcoming 50th anniversary of CEPACS marks an important milestone in promoting the synodal Church in Africa through social communications,” stated Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, President of CEPACS and Bishop of Oyo Diocese.
Under the theme, “CEPACS at 50: Towards promoting a Synodal Church in Africa through Social Communications,” the assembly will bring together communication experts and Catholic Bishops from across Africa. Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect for the Dicastery for Communications at the Vatican, is set to deliver the keynote address in Lagos, Nigeria.
Bishop Badejo emphasized the significance of the Synod in Africa, highlighting the need for every segment to have access, a voice, and recognition within the Church. He stated, “The emphasis is that every segment of the Church be given the attention it requires to attain holiness and eventually salvation.”
CEPACS plays a pivotal role in disseminating Church teachings on communications and modern media to the grassroots. Bishop Badejo explained, “CEPACS helps bring to the grassroots teachings of the Church on communications, the teachings of the Church on the modern media, the teachings of the Church on what the lives of the professionals of media ought to be, what their role, contribution ought to be.”
He further stressed the importance of accompanying communication professionals in their private lives, as their personal experiences impact their work in reporting Church news and events. Bishop Badejo called for collective participation in the 50th-anniversary assembly to deliberate on the way forward for a Synodal Church that cares for every segment.
