“As shepherds of the Church, our primary duty is to protect the vulnerable.” This is what Bishop Charles Kasonde, Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), said in a press statement on behalf of the participating bishops at the end of the training. “We strive to create a safe and nurturing church environment where faith can flourish, aspirations are nurtured, and potential is achieved.”  

On July 2-4, AMECEA and the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) organized a training workshop in Kenya with 26 bishops from the eight-member conferences that make up AMECEA. The workshop explored how the Church in the region prevents abuse and responds to Safeguarding concerns.  

The Memorare Initiative and Safeguarding 

The program began by exploring the different concepts and definitions related to Safeguarding. The participants also had the opportunity to discuss these with each other to learn and understand their importance.  

Sessions were held related to the different forms of abuse children and vulnerable adults may be at risk of experiencing in the Church, dealing with the effects of trauma after abuse and the impact of the local culture on Safeguarding, and its challenges.  

The bishops taking part in the workshop also shared personal experiences on meeting with victims and survivors and responding to allegations of abuse.

The workshop also included a discussion on the Memorare Initiative, explained by the PCPM Regional Experts. The initiative was developed by the Commission in response to Pope Francis’ request to assist local churches in implementing the requirements of Church law for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. The Memorare Initiative has three pillars:

• firstly, the creation of structures and systems to receive reports of abuse and assist people impacted by abuse in an appropriate manner
• secondly, assitance in the development and implementation of Safeguarding policies and formation
• thirdly, the creation of local Safeguarding networks for resource sharing.

The session’s focus was on helping participants better understand the Memorare Initiative’s aim and vision and how these goals and its pillars can be implemented in local churches. The Regional Experts used examples from dioceases around the world, in order to understand together with the attendees what would be fitting for East Africa.  

Commitments to Protection and Prevention of Abuse 

“God calls upon humanity to act as stewards and leaders, entrusting them with the responsibility to care for all creation, ensuring its preservation, protection and promotion.” Bishop Kasonde said, emphasizing the importance of the commitments the bishops of AMECEA made after the training in Kenya.  

The bishops’ commitments are protecting children and vulnerable adults and ensuring that Safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed, updated, and aligned with the PCPM’s Universal Guidelines Framework. The guidelines aim to enhance pastoral capacities, strengthen the family as a primary caregiver, and promote values and morals.  

In concluding his statement, Bishop Kasonde emphasized the goal of Safeguarding in the Catholic Church: “We urge all community members to join us in this mission to ensure a future where children and vulnerable adults are safe, cherished, and nurtured.”