In an atmosphere of fraternity, listening and communion, an important meeting was held between theEcclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA)and some Bishops of theEpiscopal Conference of the Antilles, with the purpose of presenting the path taken by CEAMA, discussing common pastoral challenges, and continuing to weave the network of a synodal, prophetic Church committed to the peoples and territories of the Beloved Amazon.
Diverse and representative participation
Desde CEAMA participated:
- Cecilia Barja(Bolivia) – Commission for the Meeting of Bishops of the Amazon
- Mauricio López (Ecuador) – Vice president of CEAMA
- Monsignor Eugenio Coter(Bolivia) – Bishop of the Vicariate of Pando
On behalf of the Episcopal Conference of the Antilles, the following were present:
- Mons. Alain Ransay, Bishop of the Diocese of Cayenne (French Guiana)
- Mons. Francis Dean Alleyne, OSB, Bishop of the Diocese of Georgetown (Guyana)
- Mons. Karel Choennie, Bishop of the Diocese of Paramaribo (Suriname)
- Mons. Charles Jason Gordon, Archbishop of Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) and President of the Episcopal Conference of the Antilles
A dialogue with an ecclesial and missionary horizon
During the meeting, the ongoing processes promoted by CEAMA were shared, highlighting the preparations for the Meeting of Bishops of the Amazon, to be held in Bogotá, Colombia, from August 18 to 20, 2025. This upcoming meeting seeks to continue strengthening common pastoral discernment and the spirit of synodality among the churches of the Pan-Amazon region.
The interventions of the bishops of the Antilles reflected an openness to mutual learning and the strengthening of more participatory ecclesial structures. Bishop Francis Dean Alleyne, the Antilles delegate to CEAMA, noted:
“At the Conference of Bishops of the Antilles, we are working on renewal. Being an Ecclesial Conference is challenging.”.
For his part, Monsignor Alain Ransay expressed:“We must change our ways of thinking to become a synodal Church.”.
Bishop Gordon added:“CEAMA allows us to share a pastoral vision that transcends the borders that separate us, a common approach for a greater good.”.
From CEAMA, Mauricio López invited us to delve deeper into discernment with key questions:
“How does CEAMA fit with the Synod on Synodality? What new structures can be built within the Church to respond to these challenges? What questions do you need to ask CEAMA, and how can CEAMA answer them?”
Monsignor Eugenio Coter explained the meaning and relevance of the Meeting of Bishops of the Amazon, both for Pope Francis and for the current Pope Leo XIV, and shared progress on fundamental topics such as the Amazonian Rite and discernment regarding women’s ministry.
A Church on the move, from the diversity of its territories
This meeting represents a significant step toward building a Church that journeys together, amidst the diversity of its peoples, languages, cultures, and challenges. CEAMA deeply values this opportunity for fraternal encounter and reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting processes of dialogue, listening, and synodality, always at the service of the People of God and the care of our Common Home.