Some 80 Catholic Archbishops and Bishops from the Central African Sub-region have began meeting this Monday 10th July 2017 for the 11th Episcopal conference. Discussions at the Yaounde Conference Centre were opened with a message from Pope Francis urging Christians,Muslims,political leaders including the civil society in Africa to pray, work and live together.

The Pope’s message was read out by the Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue at the Vatican, His Grace Miguel Angel Ayuxo. The forum that will end on Sunday 16th July 2017 is attended by the representatives of the Central African Council of Imams, Council of the Central African Protestant Churches and a delegation from the Holy See.

The Head of State of Cameroon was represented at the opening of the Episcopal Conference by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization,Rene Emmanuel Sadi.

Addressing the men of God, Mr Sadi challenged them to play a leading role in having communities tolerate each person’s religious background. The conference holds at a time the sub region is faced with various forms of insecurity, war and violence. The catholic leaders are therefore expected to make recommendations towards long lasting peace.

Source: CRTV