Eco-Friendly Light of the World

Abstract

On the 20th of November, 2011, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Pope Benedict XVI presented Africae Munus, the Second Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Church in Africa in Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. The “Second Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa” took place in Rome from 4 to 25 October, 2009. Africa Munus or Africa’s Commitment, as it is translated, builds on the first synod for Africa, Ecclesia in Africa. In this document, the model of the Church as a “Family of God” (EA#14) emphasized the evangelical mission of the African Church in the face of despair and discouragement. The synod fathers dealt with a fundamental question, “What is it and what [the Church] must fully carry out, in order that its message may be relevant and credible?” (EA #21). As the synod fathers asked, “In a Continent full of bad news, how is the Christian message ‘Good News’ for our people? In the midst of an all-pervading despair, where lie the hope and optimism which the Gospel brings? Evangelization stands for many of those essential values which our Continent very much lacks: hope, peace, joy, harmony, love and unity” (EA #40). The Church cannot accom-plish these without first deepening its faith, conversion and renewal in order to face these challenges (EA #47) and to build a “kingdom of justice and peace” (EA #105). To build a kingdom of justice and peace in truth for all will require reconciliation among individuals, communities and nations and most especially between humanity and the environment, and the Triune God. Africae Munus (Africa’s Commitment in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace) continues the dialogue on the question of relevance and credibility of the Good news. The Good News is very clear “You are the salt of the earth ... you are the light of the world” (AM. #6).