The Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) has taken a decisive step in the construction of its first Synodal Apostolic Plan, a broad, participatory, and deeply pastoral process that seeks to outline a common horizon for mission in the Amazonian territory.
This journey, which will culminate in the CEAMA General Assembly in March 2026, is not limited to producing a document, but aims to offer an instrument of life and mission that responds to the realities, challenges, and dreams of the communities of the Amazon.
A consultation that listens and calls
The development of the Synodal Apostolic Plan is based on an open consultation with the particular Churches of the region, structured around four axes:
- Participation in CEAMA: assessment and proposals to strengthen integration and accompaniment.
- Mission of CEAMA: identification of opportunities and challenges for the local Church in the Amazonian context, and ways to provide closer and more effective support.
- Prioritization of actions: discernment of the 20 strategic actions defined in the first Plenary Assembly, linked to the four dreams of Querida Amazonia: ecclesial, cultural, ecological, and social.
- Recommendations: contributions to enable CEAMA to fulfill the mission entrusted to it by the Synod Fathers.
Significant progress in the region
In recent weeks, the consultation has been received with enthusiasm in the Amazon region of Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, with the active participation of bishops, priests, religious men and women, and laypeople.
- Venezuela: With the coordination of Peggy Vivas, delegate of the Episcopal Conference to CEAMA, the process was completed in the six Amazonian jurisdictions: Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar, Diocese of Ciudad Guayana, Diocese of Guasdualito, Apostolic Vicariate of Caroní, Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Ayacucho, and Apostolic Vicariate of Tucupita.
- Colombia: Under the impetus of Father James Sáenz, of the Archdiocese of Florencia, six of the 15 Amazonian jurisdictions have participated so far: Diocese of San José del Guaviare, Apostolic Vicariate of Inirida, Apostolic Vicariate of Mitú, Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño, Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Leguízamo-Solano, and Archdiocese of Villavicencio.
- Ecuador: With the encouragement of Sister Marlene Cachipuendo, delegate of the Episcopal Conference, progress has been made in four of the six jurisdictions: Apostolic Vicariate of Aguarico, Apostolic Vicariate of Napo, Apostolic Vicariate of Puyo, and Apostolic Vicariate of San Miguel de Sucumbíos.
A shared discernment process
The CEAMA’s Synodal Apostolic Plan Commission has expressed its gratitude for the commitment and dynamism of the Amazonian Church in this initial phase and invites the other jurisdictions to join in this experience of listening, discernment, and pastoral co-responsibility.
“This process is an opportunity to continue walking together as a synodal, prophetic and servant Church in the Amazon, responding to the cries of the earth and its peoples,” the Commission states.
In this spirit, CEAMA is moving forward with a Synodal Apostolic Plan that reflects the richness and diversity of the region, strengthening communion and shared mission in the service of life, justice, and hope in the Amazon.
