Audio By Vocalize
Church leaders, government officials, diplomats, and delegates from across Eastern Africa during the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Nairobi on July 20, 2026. [Courtesy]
The 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), currently underway in Nairobi, has placed young people at the heart of the regional Church's agenda. The gathering has drawn bishops from across the nine member countries, together with several high-level religious leaders from the Vatican and beyond, all assembled under the theme of a synodal journey with young people.
The bishops have proposed youth as their pastoral priority for the next four years. Pope Leo XIV, in his message to the assembly, set the horizon by calling for "renewed trust in Christ, our hope, and in the capacity of young people to be agents of transformation." Cardinal Michael Czerny, preaching at the opening Mass, urged young people, "Do not let yourselves be robbed of hope," and called them to build bridges of hope in a turbulent world.
The presentations have been refreshingly honest about the terrain. Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba captured the urgency at the official opening: "Not to pay attention to youthful society not only smacks of recklessness but is also tragically irresponsible." Bishop Martin Mtumbuka pressed for depth in formation, asking the Church to give young people "sound catechesis so that they have a sound understanding of their faith."
