Clerics convene in Colombia to deliberate upon the future direction of the church's Amazonian domain

In a significant development for the Amazon region, the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) held its first high-profile gathering in Bogotá, Colombia, from August 17-20, 2021. This permanent, representative ecclesial body was established in 2020 to implement the commitments of the 2019 Amazon synod and give life to Pope Francis' post-synodal exhortation "Querida Amazonia."

The meeting, organised by the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), brought together Amazonian bishops, CEAMA's members, including lay Catholics and Indigenous leaders. The event marked a crucial step in the evolution of the Amazonian church, with the bishops having the opportunity to express the problems and challenges they face in their mission of evangelizing the Amazonian peoples.

The Amazon synod's discussions were based on a working document prepared after thousands of the region's residents talked to missionaries and shared their visions regarding integral ecology and the church. The bishops, Indigenous communities, and lay movements are key components of the Amazonian church and its ongoing reform process.

One of the key topics discussed during the encounter was the financial hardships and the lack of personnel, which were also largely discussed during the Amazon synod. Bishop Giovenale suggested the creation of an Amazon fund to finance part of the operations of the Amazonian church.

The vast distances in the Amazon make pastoral visits to each community an enormous challenge, often requiring expensive transportation like boats and small airplanes. CEAMA can serve as a platform for the exchange of experiences, dissemination of information, and mobilization of advisers for specific projects.

Illegal mining, logging, and ranching frequently attack and devastate the Amazon rainforest, posing a significant threat to the region's inhabitants and the church's mission. The group discussion of CEAMA during the August meeting demonstrated how the synodal dynamic can help address complex subjects.

The main goal of the meeting was to allow Amazonian bishops to learn about CEAMA and reflect on how it can better serve each particular church in the region. The meeting was attended by more than 90 bishops from various parts of the Pan-Amazon region.

The bishops recognize the need to make progress in concluding and implementing the synodal plan, seeking an adequate organizational structure. The Bogotá meeting was held in advance of CEAMA's General Assembly, which is scheduled for March 2026.

Despite the progress made, the search results do not provide the names of the leaders of CEAMA (Church Amazon Synod Conference). The synodal dynamic, which emphasizes continuous renovation, is a fundamental aspect in the Amazonian church's recent developments.

As the Amazonian church continues to evolve, CEAMA will play a crucial role in facilitating communication, collaboration, and action among its diverse members. The challenges facing the Amazon region and its people are immense, but with the synodal spirit and the collective efforts of all involved, a brighter future can be cultivated for the Amazon and its church.