Mozambique: Bishop Lang joins international bishops' meeting on family

Salome and Frederick Olweny with Bishop Lang

Bishop Declan Lang joined 22 bishops from across Europe and Africa at the end of May to share and reflect on their ministry with families.

The bishops met in Mumemo, a settlement outside the capital Maputo, which was formed by Franciscan Hospitaler sisters of the Immaculate Conception to house victims of the catastrophic 2000 floods. The sisters eventually rehoused around 17,000 people, complete with schools, a clinic and orphanage.

The bishops gathered to celebrate the vitality of family life, especially in Africa, to look at how to support families and to analyse the many tests faced by couples trying to sustain their commitment to each other. The meeting is part of a series held between SECAM, which represents African bishops and CCEE, its European counterpart.

The gathering was an opportunity for the bishops of both continents to examine in the light of the forthcoming Synod of the Family what sustains or undermines contemporary marriage.

Those challenges include the economic pressures that families face in both continents, the impact of war, environmental disasters, HIV/AIDS, polygamy, the growth of sects, the problems facing migrant families, modern slavery and human trafficking. There was also discussion about the influence of international NGOs, the responsibilities of states and the way in which contemporary culture can undermine commitment and fidelity. Special attention was given to the pastoral and doctrinal responses possible for divorced Catholics.

Salome and Frederick Olweny, a Kenyan couple involved in the Africa Family Life Federation, shared their experiences of married life and outlined the Federation's programmes on marriage preparation.

Bishop Lang was also in Mozambique to develop closer collaboration with the Mozambique Bishops' Conference. He met with Bishop Adriano Langa of Inhambane, his counterpart in Mozambique, to look at migration, human trafficking, justice and peace and the work of CAFOD.