Benin bishops announce African traditional religion conference
The conference, scheduled for November 19-20, 2026, aims to foster mutual understanding between faiths.
The Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) will host an international conference on traditional African religion in Cotonou on November 19 and 20, 2026. The event will take place at the Saint-Charbel hall in Akpakpa.
This announcement came from the final statement of the CEB's 79th ordinary plenary session, held in Natitingou from October 25 to 28. Organizers aim to deepen mutual knowledge between confessions and promote interreligious dialogue, linking it to African cultures and the continent's development.
The conference commemorates two meetings involving Pope John Paul II: one in Assisi, Italy, on October 27, 1986, and another in Cotonou on February 4, 1993, where he met with leaders of indigenous religions and Vodun cults.
Why it mattersBeninese religious leaders and followers of traditional African religions will engage in dialogue with Christian leaders.