It is the highest body of SECAM, and as such, draws up the major guidelines. It holds every third year and serves as a study, exchange of ideas and debate forum.
It brings together the African Cardinals ad Patriarchs, the Presidents and the elected Delegates of the member Episcopal Conferences, the Diocesan Bishops and those equivalent to them in law who are not yet members of and jurisdically constituted Episcopal Conference, the members of the Standing Committee of SECAM and the African members of the Congregation of the Evangelisation of the Peoples.
Meanwhile, SECAM can invite other members of Congregations of the Roman Curia, some partners too ad libitum.
It comprises the President and the two Vice-Presidents, the Secretary General and the Presidents of the ten Regional Episcopal Conferences or their Delegates. It has a three years renewable term of office and its function is to direct the affairs of SECAM between the plenaries. It meets twice a year.
is a restricted committee, which consists of the President and the two Vice-Presidents of SECAM.