Meeting Report
[Source: Dinos Kousoulou]
The meeting attracted a wide variety of viewers on Zoom to hear Bishop Manuel, Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Nampula, speak about the challenges facing his Diocese.
An ALMA Rep who took part said "What a super meeting. Bishop Manuel’s insight is inspirational."
Thanks to Dinos Kousoulou for the report below.
The meeting is available as a podcast which can be heard here or downloaded here.
Bishop Rob welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Bishop Manuel from the Missionary Diocese of Nampula.
Bishop Rob asked Bishop Manuel to reflect and update the meeting on the challenges facing the Diocese, including the impact of the Insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
Bishop Manuel gave a brief background to the establishment of the Diocese which had emerged following the initial multiplication of the Dioceses of Niassa in 2018. The Diocese has a significant population with a high percentage of under 25s.
The major challenges facing the Diocese are:
Soon after the creation of the Diocese, it faced the impact of the cyclone and the challenges that presented. Subsequently, there has been a series of floods and droughts which has had a significant impact on those living in rural communities who rely on the food they grow for survival.
The insurgency in Cabo Delgado has caused significant disruption in the North of the Diocese with many people being displaced in Niassa and Nampula. Many camps have been set up. However, many people are congregating near church buildings looking for assistance and it is these people that the Diocese is focusing on supporting with food and other essentials.
A second wave is affecting the country as a whole and the Government has declared a second lockdown. Unfortunately, many people are leaving cities to return to their rural communities and this is resulting in a spread of the infection.
The Diocese continues to expand its catechist training programme as a way of engaging, particularly with younger people.
Bishop Rob thanked Bishop Manuel for sharing his mission and the challenges facing the Diocese of Nampula, particularly the impact of having such a young population.
Currently the population of London was becoming younger with a significant percentage now under 35. What reflection/advice does Bishop Manuel have on this situation?
Bp Manuel: The key is to start with a secure home life, sharing experiences within a family setting. In Mozambique, it is traditional for the mother to lead on these discussions.
What is the best way to end the insurgency?
Bp Manuel: It is important to say that this is not a religious war and that the majority of those involved in the insurgency are Mozambicans. Members of all religious groups are suffering because of the violence. The way forward is through dialogue - all faith groups need to come together to discuss a resolution. A start has been made in bringing interfaith groups together.
There are many conspiracy theories circulating that are preventing people taking up the vaccines. How do we make the blessing of the vaccines a blessing for everyone?
Bp Manuel: The church has a role to play in encouraging people to be vaccinated, by acting as a bridge between those who have concerns about the vaccine and the health professionals.
How safe is Pemba and how serious is the refugee issue around the town?
Bp Manuel: Things are operating relatively normally in Pemba and I am planning a visit shortly. The conflict is focused in nine districts north of Pemba and although there continues to be rumours that Pemba could be targeted, there are no signs of the conflict reaching Pemba at the moment.
It is reported that the numbers of Internally Displaced People have increased from 500,000 to 560,000 since Christmas. How is the Diocese working with the N.G.O.s to support displaced people?
Bp Manuel: I can confirm that the numbers continue to increase. The N.G.O.s are operating mainly in the larger camps. The Diocese is focusing on those who find their way to Church buildings. There is a stigma attached to those who have fled Cabo Delgado, which does cause many not to feel able to go to the Camps that have been set up.
Are Church Buildings closed and what are the consequences of the closures?
Bp Manuel: Churches are closed as a result of the Coronavirus restrictions. This is to stop the spread of the infection and, like many businesses, were instructed to close. There is a significant impact on the finances of the Diocese as there are no collections taking place. There are small community gatherings taking place but no large gatherings as these are inappropriate in the current circumstances.
It was commented that the young population in the Diocese is a blessing and should secure the future of the Diocese.
Bishop Rob thanked everyone for their contributions and in particular Bishop Manuel for his insight, inspiration and reflections.
Sheenagh Burrell was invited to lead the meeting in Prayer.
Chris Swift was invited to pray for Bishop Manuel on behalf of the meeting.
Bishop Manuel closed the meeting with a reading followed by a prayer.