The IMBISA Secretariat had the pleasure of hosting Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) Coordinators from Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Zimbabwe at the Maria Regina Oblate Conference Centre in Windhoek, Namibia, from 16–17 July 2025. This enriching session served as a vital platform for sharing insights, strengthening mutual understanding, and exploring pathways for collaboration in pursuit of a common mission.
Participants deeply valued the exchange of experiences, recognizing the richness of diversity and the power of collective wisdom. A recurring theme was the call for CPLO ministry to become more pastoral and synodal rooted in compassion and committed to advocacy for the marginalized and voiceless. Many were inspired by the progress made in fellow countries, leaving renewed in their commitment to strengthen their own initiatives.
As Pope Francis reminds us: “Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor society” (Evangelii Gaudium, 187). This quote echoes the spirit of the meeting and affirms the prophetic role CPLOs play in shaping just and inclusive societies.
The meeting culminated with a meaningful visit to the SADC Parliamentary Forum on 17 July, where participants presented the work of CPLOs and engaged in constructive dialogue on areas of potential collaboration. This milestone marked the beginning of a promising journey toward integrating the CPLO voice into the wider mission of SADC PF championing democracy, human rights, and good governance.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in building a vibrant, regionally connected network of CPLOs, grounded in local realities and unified by shared purpose. IMBISA remains steadfast in its commitment to accompany and nurture this process, confident that such collaboration will amplify the Church’s public witness and foster societal transformation in the spirit of the Gospel.