AMECEA Bishops commit to a four-year pastoral priority plan for young people in the region

Rose Achiego Ande – Nairobi and Vatican News Staff

Archbishop Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya, Tanzania, has been elected as the new Chairman of AMECEA.

On Sunday morning, Archbishop Nyaisonga presided over the closing Eucharistic celebration of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly held at the Loreto Msongari Grounds in Nairobi. The Archbishop reflected on the biblical readings of the day. Acknowledging the responsibility entrusted to him, the Archbishop said he identifies with Solomon's prayer for wisdom.

Concrete action and accompaniment

In their Final Message issued at the conclusion of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly, the region’s Bishops reaffirmed their commitment to listening attentively to the hopes, concerns and sufferings of young people, promising concrete action to accompany them in the life and mission of the Church.

The Bishops’ plenary assembly was held in Nairobi from 19 to 26 July.

The Bishops’ message, released on 26 July 2026, outlines a pastoral vision inspired by the Assembly's theme, "AMECEA's Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice and Good Governance."

Some of the young people at the AMECEA closing Mass {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/Luglio/25/09.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} A new pastoral vision

The Bishops pledged to strengthen youth participation in both ecclesial and civic life by establishing and reinforcing dedicated youth desks across the region, forming Catholic digital missionaries to evangelise in the digital age, promoting education, mentorship, entrepreneurship and skills development, and strengthening safeguarding policies and accountability in youth ministry.

They also committed themselves to deepening collaboration and solidarity among AMECEA's member Episcopal Conferences while engaging governments, regional institutions and development partners to advocate for the safe and lawful movement of young people, greater civic participation and peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue.

Political manipulation

Addressing the region’s political leaders directly, the Bishops expressed concern over the experiences shared by young people during the Assembly.

"Young people told us plainly that they often feel used during election seasons and forgotten once the votes are counted," the Bishops said. "We call for an end to any exploitation and misuse of young people, taking advantage of their destitution for selfish political gain. Instead, we invite political leaders to become leaders who inspire hope among young people."

AMECEA Bishops {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/Luglio/20/b09a1728.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} Joyful witnesses of the Gospel

The Bishops also appealed to ecumenical and interreligious partners, the corporate sector and development agencies to work with the Church in creating pastoral, psychosocial, educational and digital support structures that enable young people to flourish.

In a message directed to young people themselves, the bishops reminded them that they are not merely the future of the Church but an essential part of its present mission. Quoting St. Paul's exhortation to Timothy, they encouraged young people: "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

The Bishops further invited young people to imitate the disciples on the road to Emmaus by walking with Christ, allowing their hearts to be transformed by Scripture and the Eucharist, and becoming joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

AMECEA; A four year pastoral plan centred on young people {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/Luglio/20/b09a1579.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} What is AMECEA?

AMECEA is an acronym for Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa. It is a Catholic service organisation for the National Episcopal Conferences of the eight countries of Eastern Africa, namely Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan - Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Djibouti and Somalia are affiliate members.

The authority over all AMECEA’s activities rests with the Plenary Assembly of all the Bishops of the AMECEA countries. Between the Plenary Assemblies, the Executive Board takes the necessary decisions, according to the AMECEA priorities. The day-to-day decisions are taken on behalf of the Chairman by the Secretary General, who also coordinates the AMECEA departments and institutions.