From February 15 to 17, 2025, the city of Puyo, Ecuador, hosted the meeting of the Presidency of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), a meeting that marked a milestone on the path towards a more synodal Church committed to the Amazon region.
The first day began with an exclusive meeting of the Presidency, followed by a parallel space for the Executive Secretariat and the advisors. During the day, the Meeting of Bishops stood out, led by Bishop Zenildo, who presented a report on the meeting of the preparatory commission in Lima (January 2025). In addition, the work plan for 2025 was discussed, with emphasis on the Theory of Change, a key focus within the Porticus investment collaboration in the “Church with an Amazonian Face” (ICRA) program, developed in conjunction with REPAM and the Amazonian University Program (PUAM).
The second day marked a crucial moment: the presentation of the methodology for the preparation of the First Synodal Apostolic Plan of the CEAMA. This process, based on listening and discernment, seeks to strengthen the ecclesial mission in the region and will take place until November 2025. The apostolic plan is conceived as a comprehensive roadmap that will articulate inculturated evangelization with socio-environmental justice and the promotion of the rights of the Amazonian peoples. The importance of the participation of local communities and a genuine synodal process was emphasized, ensuring that CEAMA continues to be a space for dialogue and action committed to the Amazon reality.
In parallel, work was carried out on the search for resources and financing strategies to sustain the actions of the CEAMA. The 2024/2025 financial framework was presented and alliances with multilateral organizations such as the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) were explored. A specific fundraising plan was defined for 2025 and a long-term institutional sustainability strategy was outlined. In addition, progress was made in the preparation of the CEAMA 2025 General Assembly, establishing objectives, program and the formation of the Preparatory Commission.
Conclusions and commitments for a synodal Church in the Amazon
The third day was dedicated to the planning of concrete actions for 2025, including the calendar of meetings, the development of the Amazon Rite and the proposal for the Jubilee of the Common Home. The day continued with a reflection on the role of CEAMA in international spaces, such as COP 30, reaffirming its commitment to integral ecology and the defense of the Amazon biome.
Key topics such as safeguarding policy, institutional coordination and governance were addressed, with the aim of strengthening the impact of CEAMA in the region. In addition, a Crisis Committee was created and protocols were established to face future challenges.
The meeting in Puyo not only reinforced the identity and mission of CEAMA, but also laid the foundations for articulated and sustainable work in favor of the Amazon. With the guidance of Cardinal Pedro and the active participation of the members of the Presidency, concrete commitments were established that reflect the Church’s commitment to justice, hope and care for the Common Home. This meeting marked a milestone on the path towards an ecclesially more synodal Amazon, promoting synergy between the various ecclesial expressions of the territory and consolidating lines of evangelization with a strong prophetic and socio-environmental dimension. CEAMA reaffirms its vocation to be a Church on the move, which listens, dialogues and acts in defense of life and hope in the Amazon.