Process of renewal and restructuring
In compliance with the mandate of the 37th Ordinary General Assembly held in Tegucigalpa (Honduras) in May 2019, with joy and hope we present the Document of the process of renewal and restructuring of the Latin American Episcopal Council – CELAM, which was endorsed at the 38th Ordinary General Assembly held from May 18 to 21, 2021, in Trujillo (Peru), in a mixed format – in-person and virtual – when the pastoral structure was approved, and at the Extraordinary Assembly held from July 19 to 22 in Mexico City (Mexico) – also in a mixed format – when the administrative and financial structure was approved, as well as the new Statutes that will be submitted to the Holy See for approval.
The work has been intense and has involved the invaluable effort of the cardinals and bishops of the Presidency, advisory bishops, the team of theological-pastoral reflection, and experts in various disciplines: social, legal, economic, and methodological, who have helped us make this great task a reality.
The result of this work is the fruit of a journey taken in communion, collegiality, ecclesiality, synodality, and with open hearts to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches (cf. Rev 2:11).
Vision
By 2033, CELAM will be recognized as an episcopal-ecclesial body at the service of the Episcopal Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean that, by fostering communion and collegiality among bishops, encourages personal and communal encounters with Jesus Christ and the synodality of particular Churches that go forth—with a preferential option for the poor and a commitment to caring for our common home—to make the Kingdom of God visible.
Mission
"CELAM, enlightened by the Word and at the service of the People of God journeying in Latin America and the Caribbean, fosters personal and communal encounters with Jesus Christ, contributes to the communion and collegiality of the bishops, and serves the Episcopal Conferences, while encouraging the discernment of the signs of the times, reflection, formation, and pastoral action in a synodal spirit".
Strategic objectives
To fulfill its Mission, CELAM defines and assumes five strategic objectives:
- Create spaces of communion and participation where personal and communal encounters with Jesus Christ can be experienced.
- Encourage communion and collegiality with the Holy Father and with the Bishops, promoting synodality and subsidiarity in each country, in the regions, and on the Continent.
- Foster the understanding of the Word of God and the discernment of the signs of the times, so that the Church may be a prophetic and wise voice in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Promote updated training with a pastoral, Latin American, and Caribbean focus for missionary disciples, both in the area of evangelizing action and in the construction of society and the care of our common home.
- Develop innovative and relevant guidelines so that the Church can more effectively carry out its missionary work in proclaiming the Kingdom of God and integral conversion.
The Mandate of Tegucigalpa
The 37th General Assembly of CELAM, held in Tegucigalpa (Honduras) in May 2019, affirmed the synodal nature of the Latin American and Caribbean Church. Furthermore, the need to discern the signs of the times—which would give rise to an unprecedented process of renewal and restructuring inspired by the convictions stemming from the Tegucigalpa Mandate—was highlighted.
37th Ordinary General Assembly of CELAM
May 2019 Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Assembly Days
Attendees
Mandate as a result
The principles of the renewal process
Nine principles have guided the process of renewal and restructuring of CELAM, the result of discernment with the Holy Father, with the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences, and with the advisory Bishops:
In a synodal spirit, to foster ecclesial participation, shared responsibilities, and ongoing dialogue with the Episcopal Conferences.
In a spirit of collegiality, faithful to the nature of CELAM, fostering communion among the bishops of the continent and with the Bishop of Rome.
In integral conversion, continuing the work of the Synod for the Amazon, as the Church—the People of God—affirming our option for the poor.
With a prophetic voice, to respond to the cries of our peoples and point the way toward equity, justice, and peace, in defense of life and human dignity.
With an integrative, continental vision, seeking a Latin American and Caribbean perspective and approach, and adopting a holistic view.
With the aim of generating an evangelizing impact on the particular Churches of the continent, on society, and on leaders responsible for major decisions.
Structured and integrative—a "network of networks"—recognizing CELAM’s vocation to foster vital processes at the continental level through territorial and thematic networks.
Fostering decentralization and relevance to provide appropriate responses to specific needs and capabilities, while promoting regional collaboration.
Embracing and contributing to the Magisterium of the Church—with fidelity to the Holy Father and creativity—while upholding the legacy of the General Conferences.
