African Church seeks to help form young Catholics involved in politics
Representatives of the Ivory Coast episcopal conference will try to help young people discover ways to bring their Catholic faith to bear on their political activities
About a hundred young Catholics from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) who are involved in political parties or interested in politics were expected to attend a day of meetings and exchanges this Saturday at the Our Lady of Africa Parish near Abidjan with officials representing the nation’s bishops.
"We believe that their civic commitment is essential in the development of a new generation of politicians in light of the new challenges of the world," explained Father Eric Norbert Abékan, national executive secretary of the Ivorian Episcopal Commission for Justice, Peace and Environment, the office organizing the meetings. "It is important that young Catholics in politics find in the Church a closeness that reassures them, and the necessary accompaniment, through the dissemination of the social teaching of the Church, which they need.
According to Côte d'Ivoire’s last census, young people under the age of 35 constitute 75% of the West African nation’s population. Father Abékan said that means their participation in public affairs and governance is essential for the establishment of a lasting peace. "As observers of political life and close to their peers, young people have a key role to play when it comes to tackling the drivers of conflict and contributing to solutions," he said.
Being “salt and light” in society
While a large part of the population has a negative image of politics and turns away from it, the priest pointed out that "in the Gospels, Christ encourages Christians to become citizens who are 'salt and light' in their respective societies, thus contributing to the alleviation of human suffering in all its forms".
He noted that Vatican II, in the pastoral constitution Gaudium et spes, also stipulates that "living and acting in politics is the expression by which Christians make a coherent contribution so that, through politics, a social order is established that is more just and in conformity with the dignity of the human person".
The meeting in Abidjan with young people involved in politics comes just a few months before the municipal elections in Côte d'Ivoire where, unfortunately, elections are sometimes the occasion for violence involving these young people. To change this state of affairs, Father Abékan said it seems necessary that the youth themselves learn to turn their backs on dishonest politicians who solicit the youth only for their own interests. "Young people must stop being executors of the evil plans of selfish politicians and think about how to participate in the march of the Nation as responsible actors and leaders," the priest insisted.
Meeting with Christians involved in various sectors
The first day of meetings and exchanges will make it possible to understand the expectations of the participants, and will lead to other activities with these young people in the coming weeks.
"We will focus on continuing education with quality speakers who will enlighten us on current topics with major societal stakes," Father Abékan said. "Because politics is a service that requires qualification, which implies that those who dedicate themselves to it do not neglect the timely and continuous formation that it implies," he said.
The priest, who has headed the episcopal commission since May 2021, said he wants to set up frameworks for meetings with Christians involved in various sectors "in order to show them the solicitude of the Church and to accompany them in their efforts".