between the March 27 and April 4, 2025, the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) made the Territorial Discussions, a series of virtual meetings that marked a milestone in the process of preparation of the Synodal Apostolic Plan (PAS) 2026–2030.
This process has been designed as a itinerary of listening, discernment and participation that seeks to consolidate the synodal identity of the Church in the Amazon, in permanent dialogue with the territorial realities, the peoples and communities, and in communion with the Magisterium of the Church.
A Church that listens and discerns from the territory
The Conversations brought together representatives of the Amazon countries in four virtual sessions, organized by territorial blocks. Each meeting was a space to share experiences, recognize common challenges and project together the future of pastoral action in a synodal and prophetic key.
Schedule of the Conversations:
- Bolivia and Brazil (Group 1): Thursday March 27
- Ecuador and Colombia: Friday March 28
- Venezuela and Antilles: Thursday April 3
- Peru and Brazil (Group 2): Friday April 4
Process objectives
During the Territorial Conversations, three key objectives were met that marked the beginning of the path towards PAS-CEAMA 2026–2030: strengthening the articulation and active participation of local Churches, presenting a clear and collective process; socialize the methodology and stages of the Synodal Apostolic Plan, generating a sense of co-responsibility and shared vision; and define references per country, who will accompany and coordinate the listening processes in each territory. These steps consolidate a participatory structure that reflects the synodal spirit of CEAMA.
Each of the Territorial Conversations followed a structure designed to ensure active and meaningful participation. The meeting began with the presentation of the members of the CEAMA Executive Secretariat, the delegates of the countries, a valuable moment to recognize the faces and trajectories that weave the network. Then, a detailed exposition of the PAS-CEAMA process was offered, providing clarity on the methodology, stages and schedule that will guide this joint journey. The Executive Secretariat shared its work plan, outlining priorities. Next, a deep space of listening opened up, where the voices of the territory, their cries, challenges and hopes, emerged. Finally, specific tasks and responsibilities were defined by country, guaranteeing the continuity of the synodal process with a shared commitment from the bases to the regional coordination bodies.
A Church with an Amazonian Face
The Conversations showed the deep desire of the local Churches for walk together in the key of synodality, reaffirming CEAMA’s commitment to a Church that takes shape in the Amazonian reality, that embraces the challenges of its people and that defends life in all its forms.
Próximas etapas del PAS-CHEAMA
The construction process of the Synodal Apostolic Plan continues with:
- Virtual Territorial Conversations
- Conversation caretakers of mother earth
- Interviews with different actors, founding members and organizations of the Church of Latin America and the Caribbean
Commitment to the synodal path
CEAMA thanks all the people who participated in the Territorial Conversations, and reaffirms its invitation to continue building an Amazonian, prophetic and synodal Church.