On February 4 and 5, the Inti Pungo meeting house in Puyo, Ecuador, hosted a new space for dialogue and discernment between the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) and the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) – Ecuador. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of fraternity, listening, and shared vision, reaffirming the common commitment to the Amazonian peoples.
The purpose of the meeting was to analyze the current status of both entities in Ecuador and to exchange perspectives on their paths of coordination and complementarity in service to the Amazon.
Participants included Cardinal Pedro Barreto, SJ, president of CEAMA; Mauricio López and Patricia Gualinga, vice presidents of the organization; Monsignor Rafael Cob, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puyo and president of REPAM; Ximena Lombana, executive secretary of REPAM; Monsignor Adalberto Jiménez, president of the REPAM Ecuador committee; Sister Ximena Vizcaíno, secretary of the committee; as well as delegates and coordinators from the network’s centers. Also present were Romina Gallegos, from the Amazonian University Program (PUAM), and Father Ximena Vizcaíno, secretary of the committee; as well as delegates and coordinators from the network’s core groups. Romina Gallegos, from the Amazon University Program (PUAM), and Fr. Rafael Garrido, SJ (CPAL), were also present.
Walking together from identity and mission
During the conference, the current challenges and strategic projections of both REPAM and CEAMA in the Amazon region were addressed. One of the central themes was to deepen the relationship between the two ecclesial structures, reaffirming the need to consolidate their identity, mission, and vision in fidelity to the synodal process that gave rise to CEAMA after the Synod for the Amazon.
The participants agreed on the importance of creating spaces for joint construction, based on a common baseline that strengthens the clarity, identity, and functionality of each organization, avoiding overlaps and promoting authentic complementarity in the service of the territory.
Inter-institutional coordination for the future
It was emphasized that the new work cycle requires not only close coordination between CEAMA and REPAM, but also broader inter-institutional coordination with other Church bodies in Latin America and the Caribbean. This perspective aims to consolidate a more organic, synodal, and effective ecclesial presence in the defense of the Amazonian peoples, their territories, and their livelihoods.
In this context, Fr. Rafael Garrido, SJ, participated as a guest to explore possible articulations between the Pan-Amazonian Jesuit Service (SJPAM) of the CPAL and the ecclesial dynamics of the Amazon, also collaborating in the preparation of a synthesis on the current state and possibilities for future cooperation.
The meeting was marked by joy, serenity, and shared responsibility, allowing for the sharing of experiences, weaknesses, lessons learned, and challenges. This exercise in conversation in the Spirit reaffirms the commitment of the Amazonian Church to walk together, strengthening processes that promote socio-environmental justice and the defense of the life and dignity of the peoples.
The meeting in Puyo represents a concrete step in the process of articulating and consolidating ecclesial service in the Amazon, renewing the call to “walk together” as a synodal Church at the service of the territory and its peoples.
