IMBISA Bishops and representatives attend formation on safeguarding.

Sheila Pires – Pretoria.

The Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa – IMBISA- met at Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria, South Africa, for a five-day workshop on “Promoting Safeguarding in the Church.”

From 26 February to 1 March, representatives from the region’s six Episcopal Conferences, including Bishops, secretaries-general, and those responsible for safeguarding children and vulnerable people at both the Conference and national levels, had the opportunity to dialogue, exchange ideas and were provided essential training to strengthen safeguarding practices within the Church.

An accountable Church

Speaking to Vatican News, member of the IMBISA standing committee, Bishop Willem Christiaans of Keetmanshoop Diocese, Namibia, said the Church in the Imbisa region needs to be accountable and promote similar workshops at all levels.

Also in attendance during the five-day workshop under the theme “Promoting Safeguarding in the Church: A Forum for Dialogue and Exchange in Southern Africa” was the Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Father Andrew Small, who highlighted Pope Francis’s declaration of zero tolerance for clergy who sexually abuse children.

IMBISA countries include Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa and Zimbabwe.