Archbishop Imbamba Warns Against Partisanship, Urges Evangelization as Core Mission
Luanda, July 19, 2026 — In a powerful address delivered during the inaugural ceremony of the newly established Association of Former Catholic Seminarians of Angola, Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST), has issued a clarion call to former seminarians to preserve their Christian identity and resist political divisions that threaten the Church’s mission. Speaking at the Pope Benedict XVI Amphitheater in Luanda, Archbishop Imbamba emphasized that the association’s primary role must remain rooted in the Gospel, not partisan agendas.
Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba addresses former seminarians during the association’s inauguration.
A Call to Evangelization Over Partisanship
The Archbishop, who also serves as the Local Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Saurimo, underscored that the newly formed association must avoid entanglement in political conflicts—a warning drawn from past experiences where Christian organizations weakened due to internal strife and external influences.
“We come together here as Christian members, not to engage in politics, not to be swayed by political flags or divisions, but to bear witness to Jesus Christ through the living of our faith,” Archbishop Imbamba declared.
He stressed that lay associations within the Church—particularly those formed by former seminarians—hold a unique vocation: to infuse Gospel values into every sphere of society, including cultural, professional, economic, and political arenas.
“Lay people have the responsibility of transforming society,” he affirmed. “This association is not merely a social gathering but a Christian body whose mission is to bring the light of Christ and leaven the entire fabric of society.”
The Legacy of Seminary Formation
Former seminarians, Archbishop Imbamba noted, possess rigorous human, philosophical, theological, and professional training—qualities that equip them to continue serving the Church’s mission, even if they did not pursue the priesthood.
“It is a source of pride that this Association of Former Seminarians, with your deep formation in humanism, theology, family life, and professional excellence, can assist the Church in its evangelizing work,” he said.
However, he cautioned against allowing political disputes to undermine the association’s spiritual purpose. Instead, members should channel their shared formation toward ecclesial communion and evangelization, helping pastors navigate contemporary challenges while witnessing to the Gospel in families, workplaces, and public institutions.
Confidence in Catholic Identity Amid Secular Challenges
The Archbishop also addressed a persistent hesitation among Catholics to openly profess their faith, urging believers to embrace their identity with courage.
“Sometimes, we Catholics are afraid to embrace our Catholic identity,” he admitted. “But we must help build a society founded on human dignity, where justice, peace, and respect for every person are prioritized.”
Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII’s teachings, Archbishop Imbamba encouraged former seminarians to actively engage in promoting social justice, ensuring their faith transforms society rather than remains confined to private devotion.
A Strategic Role in Church and Society
The Archbishop explicitly invited former seminarians to leverage their expertise in service of the Church.
“Do not be afraid to help us on various issues—whether advising on pastoral challenges, guiding our decisions, or providing the wisdom we need,” he urged.
This call was echoed by Amor Belo Sitongua, the newly elected President of the Association of Former Catholic Seminarians of Angola, who outlined the organization’s threefold mission:
- Unity and Mobilization – Bringing together former seminarians from Cabinda to Cunene, ensuring they remain active participants in the Church’s mission.
- Vocational Promotion – Supporting seminaries and encouraging discernment of vocations, even among those who did not pursue ordination.
- Evangelization and Social Transformation – Fostering a culture of goodness, where members act with integrity, serve with compassion, and uphold Christian values in all aspects of life.
The newly inaugurated leadership of the Association of Former Catholic Seminarians of Angola during the ceremony.
A Growing Movement with National Impact
Officially established in May 2026 following a national assembly, the association now boasts over 2,000 registered members, though Angola’s total pool of former seminarians is estimated at over 8,000. Sitongua emphasized that the organization seeks to strengthen the Church’s evangelizing efforts by ensuring former seminarians remain engaged in pastoral work, community outreach, and social advocacy.
Father Apolónio Graciano, the association’s Spiritual Assistant, reinforced this vision, describing former seminarians as “a great asset to the Church” due to their widespread influence across society.
“They are present in every sector—professional, cultural, and political—and can contribute to evangelization, raising awareness, and promoting Christian values,” Father Graciano stated. “We are counting on them to play a pivotal role in this great task of transforming society through the Gospel.”
A Call to Action: Spiritual and Pastoral Accompaniment
Father Graciano’s role will be twofold: to accompany members spiritually and to guide them in responding to the pastoral needs of the Church and society. He highlighted that former seminarians, with their deep theological and humanistic formation, are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between the Church and contemporary challenges.
Former seminarians gather for prayer and reflection during the association’s inaugural mass.
The Path Forward: Evangelization in an Era of Division
As Angola navigates political tensions and societal shifts, Archbishop Imbamba’s message resonates as a timely reminder of the Church’s primary mission: to proclaim the Gospel without compromise.
“The world needs Christians who are not afraid to stand firm in their faith,” he concluded. “This association must be a beacon of hope—a community that refuses to be divided, but instead unites in service of Christ and His Kingdom.”
The inauguration of the Association of Former Catholic Seminarians of Angola marks a significant step in strengthening the Church’s lay presence and ensuring that former seminarians continue to play an active role in evangelization, social justice, and spiritual formation.
Participants in the association’s inaugural event engage in discussions on evangelization strategies.
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