During the Sixth General Assembly of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), held in Bogotá, Father Jean-Paul Komi Sikpe, a priest who lives and serves in French Guiana, shared his experience and hope as he participated in this space of ecclesial communion.
The priest is part of the Antilles delegation to CEAMA and highlighted the importance of this gathering for strengthening the Church’s shared journey in the Amazon.
A journey built together
During his remarks, Father Jean-Paul expressed his joy at reuniting with many of the participants with whom he had already shared the Amazonian ecclesial journey at previous gatherings, such as the one held in Manaus.
“My joy is seeing the people I met two years ago in Manaus and discovering that the journey is not traveled alone.”
For the priest, this reunion confirms that the mission in the Amazon is a shared process built in community, strengthening fraternity among the Churches of the region.
Synodality as a Path for Mission
Father Jean-Paul emphasized that one of the most important fruits of this ecclesial process is the learning of synodality, understood as a path where everyone has something to contribute.
“Working in synodality is fundamental, because even the smallest among us can offer something. No one is so rich that they can say they do not need others.”
In this sense, he highlighted that CEAMA offers a concrete opportunity for the Churches of the region to walk together, share experiences, and build common responses to the pastoral and social challenges of the Amazon region.
Dreaming Together of the Future of the Church in the Amazon
Finally, the priest recalled that this ecclesial process is inspired by the impetus given by Pope Francis, who has invited the Church to look at the Amazon with hope and commitment.
“CEAMA has given us the opportunity to dream together, as Pope Francis has encouraged us.”
Father Jean-Paul Komi Sikpe’s participation in this Assembly reflects the commitment of the Churches of the Antilles to the Amazonian journey, strengthening a Church that walks united, in communion, and in service to the Gospel in the region.