Archbishop Gervas John Nyaisonga of Tanzania's Mbeya Archdiocese has been elected president of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).
The announcement came at the conclusion of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly held in Nairobi, hosted by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). The assembly's theme was "AMECEA's Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice, and Good Governance."
Commitment to Youth and Collaboration
Upon his election, Archbishop Nyaisonga expressed gratitude and humility, emphasizing the collective responsibility of AMECEA's mission. He called on all Episcopal Conferences, the AMECEA secretariat, church institutions, and baptized members to actively participate in fulfilling the assembly's resolutions.
"This mission cannot be carried forward by the chairman, the executive board, or the university council alone. It is a shared responsibility," he stated, underscoring the need for unity and prayer.
Youth as Central Pastoral Focus
The bishops formally designated young people as AMECEA's primary pastoral concern for the next four years. Archbishop Nyaisonga highlighted the powerful testimonies from young delegates during the assembly, who requested a meaningful role within the church and support through their life challenges.
He urged fellow bishops to respond with concrete actions and maintain a spirit of fraternal accountability to ensure sustained engagement with youth across the region.
The assembly concluded with a renewed call for synodality, evangelization, and dedicated accompaniment of young people throughout Eastern Africa.
