Cardinal Rugambwa calls on Church to see families as active agents of ministry

Cardinal Protase Rugambwa told Church leaders that Christian families should act as active participants in the Church's mission rather than just receiving pastoral care. Speaking during a meeting in Rome from October 7 to 14 to mark the tenth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, the Archbishop of Tabora, Tanzania, questioned what has been learned regarding the missionary role of couples and families over the last decade.

Rugambwa described the family as a central point for all pastoral ministry where faith is lived and values are passed between generations. He asked whether families have been given more responsibility in the formation of deacons, seminarians, and other pastoral workers.

The Cardinal suggested using the African experience of the Church as a family of God to serve as a model for mission. He noted that viewing the Church as a family encourages a sense of belonging and a collaborative, synodal way of living the faith.