CCPM Colloquia

The first symposium where the Q.I.C. will be a linchpin alongside the Faculty of Theology of the UCAO, is that devoted to the inculturation of the liturgy (January 15-19, 2001) the results of which were published in the form of a Vademecum for the use of the local Churches: “For inculturation in liturgy” (CERAO-Editions, February 2003). The second symposium took place in Yopougon from January 21 to 26, 2002 on the theme: “For a renewal of catechesis: from initial conversion to maturity of faith”; its Proceedings were published in February 2003. The third symposium was held, still in 2002, in Cotonou (Eudist Center of Atrokpocodji) at the initiative of the CERAO RTA Commission on the theme “Faith, Health and Happiness”.

From March 11 to 16, 2003 at CERAO Headquarters, the fourth symposium met on the theme: “The Church-Family of God, synodality and collegiality in organic pastoral solidarity”.

In July 2003, the Q.I.C. was involved in the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) pilgrimage to Gorée. The brochure published on this occasion is: “Gorée 2003: Purification of African memory. The Family Church asks for forgiveness” (CERAO-Editions December 2003).

The fifth symposium took place at the new CRS-NDI Center in Cotonou from November 25 to 29, 2003, in co-organization with the Union of Religious of West Africa.
 

In 2006, CRS-NDI participated in three major projects:

-       the symposium on the theme “Charismatic renewal and inculturation” held in Abidjan from March 12 to 17, 2006: “The healing of the genealogical tree” (CERAO-Editions, March 2007);

-       the development of the “Practical Guide to Biblical Apostolate” (CERAO-Editions, August 2006), and

-       the structuring of the West African Laity (Abidjan, from October 11 to 13, 2006): “Avance au large! For a Responsible Laity in the Church Family of God in Africa” (CERAO-Editions, December 2006).

In 2007, the work of the CERAO Center for Pastoral Care and Mission focused on:

-       the drama of migration; theme which brings together from May 8 to 11, 2007 the representatives of two Regional Churches of Africa (CERAO and CERNA) and that of Europe: “The drama of migration” (CERAO-Editions, July 2007);

-       the deepening of African ecclesiology: “The Church-Family of God: Sacrament of salvation and place of the New Fraternity for African societies” (CERAO-Editions, July 2007).

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From January 7 to 11, 2008, at the CERAO Center for Pastoral Care and Mission, took place an important preparatory colloquium for the 2nd Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops in which the CRS-NDI took part: "Towards the 2nd African Synod" (CERAO-Editions, August 2008). This symposium will be immediately followed by another which brings together from January 14 to 19, 2008, still in Abidjan, the Justice and Peace Commissions, the Social Pastoral Commissions and the Commissions for the Laity and the Apostolate of the Laity of the CERAO space. , on the theme: “Stop corruption… Develop your homeland” (CERAO-Editions, October 2008).

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From April 8 to 11, 2008, the CRS-NDI was asked for another colloquium-workshop on inculturated funerals as theological place of the Church Family of God, co-organized by the Liturgy, Catechesis and RTA Commissions (whose Secretary is the Director of CRS-NDI): “Christianity and African funeral rites in the CERAO space” (CERAO-Editions, September 2008).

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The first Congress of the West African Laity was held from July 10 to 14, 2008 at the CERAO Center for Pastoral Care and Mission, again with the participation of the CRS-NDI: "The West African Laity gets organized - Proceedings of the 1st Regional Congress" ( CERAO-Editions, December 2008).

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The last three themes of CERAO reflection on which the Secretary General initiated the experience of the Sillon Noir-NDI are:

-       “The family and reproductive health” (CERAO-Editions, January 2009);

-       “Reconciliation, Justice and Peace in Africa” (CERAO-Editions, January 2009);

-       “Work, Business, Development” (CERAO-Editions, May 2009).

From July 7 to 12, 2009, a workshop immediately preparatory to the 2nd African Synod took place in Abidjan at the initiative of the new Regional Episcopal Conference of unified West Africa (RECOWA-CERAO): "Suggestions for the 2nd Synod African” (CERAO-Editions, July 2009).

The reunification of the two Regional Episcopal Conferences (Anglophone and Francophone-Lusophone) was the third major project to which the Secretary General of CERAO applied himself before his appointment in Rome as Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, in December 2009.

 

For all of these workshops and conferences, CRS-NDI researchers took part, either as speakers or as members of the scientific committee or as rapporteurs.