CAR’s Catholic Archdiocese of Bangui Opens Pastoral Year With Call for Communion and Collaboration

The Archdiocese of Bangui in the Central African Republic began its 2026–2027 pastoral year with a diocesan session at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Running from September 22 to 27, the gathering brings together priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful to strengthen collaboration within the Church.

Coadjutor Archbishop Joseph Samedi, a member of the Society of Jesus, opened the session by stating that the assembly is intended for prayer, listening, dialogue, and discernment rather than acting as a parliament or management committee. He said communion is central to the identity of the Church and that the mission cannot succeed through division or isolation.

Archbishop Samedi called for new structures and attitudes that allow every baptized person to take responsibility for the life of the Church. He noted that decision-making should rely on collective discernment through silence and prayer instead of simple majority voting. Participants will also reflect on the book Power, Faith and Rivalries to discuss ways to prevent and resolve conflicts.