The German-African Bishops’ Conference and Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) have disclosed that Human Development must ensure the total well-being of every person and every human society in order for development to be complete.
This was made known by Blessed Paul VI at the eight German-African Bishops’ Conference held between May 22-27, 2018 at Antananarivo, the sprawling capital of the republic of Madagascar with the theme “Integral Human Development”.
While examining the theme from the Church’s Social Doctrine, Blessed Paul VI, in Populorum Progressio taught that “development cannot be limited to mere economic growth alone. In order to be authentic, it must be complete: integral, that is, it has to promote the good of every person and of the whole person.”
According to Blessed Pope Paul VI, development in modern times and most especially what the Catholic Social Doctrine teaches about “Integral Human Development” were discussed.
In the same vein, he said personal experiences and understanding of integral human development and, especially, its inseparable relevance to the Church’s mission of evangelization were shared. .
However, at the end of the conference, the Bishops made the following resolutions: to renew commitment to work for a more just world together with all women and men of good will.
To ensure social and economic path of development of humanity respect the ecological limitations of planet earth.
As the Church in Africa and in Europe, commitments were made to ensure that evangelization mission and work are inseparably tied to the demands of integral human development.
The Bishops also resolved to be advocates of integral human development in their various countries as well as on the international scene even more effectively and more convincingly than before.
The Bishops also congratulated His Eminence Desire TSARAHAZANA, Archbishop of Toamasina for his elevation as Cardinal.
The Conference was graced by the President of Republic of Madagascar, His Excellency Hery RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA.
