The Voice of the African Continent on the Synod on Synodality

By Martine Kablan On Oct 12, 2024

Palavers to discuss the future of the Church in Africa

The Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) and the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) organised a series of synodal discussions called ‘African palavers’, which took place from 6 June to 6 September 2024. The main aim of these discussions, which lasted 14 weeks, was to deepen understanding of the Synod’s Synthesis Report on synodality, with a view to the second session currently taking place in Rome in October 2024.

Every Friday for 14 weeks, hundreds of participants gathered virtually to follow the various conversations. Generally, three speakers – a bishop, a priest or religious, and a lay person – led these exchanges by presenting specific themes. Each participant was then given the opportunity to express his or her ideas and concerns. This synodal format, deeply rooted in the African palaver culture, allowed for a truly collective and open consultation.

A wide range of themes

Debates around Church issues were enriched by traditional African proverbs giving an insight into the values contained in African culture. The organisers described these events as ‘an effort by the Catholic Church to dialogue with the continent and make its voice heard in the public arena’.

These reflections on the future of the Church in Africa revolved around the following themes :

The face of the synodal missionary church family of God in Africa ;
African synodal methods, processes, and approaches ;
Some aspects of the relationship between the eastern catholic churches, pentecostals, african independent churches and the roman catholic church in Africa ;
How to be a synodal church in mission in Africa ;
The mission in digital environment ;
The revision of the ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis in a missionary synodal perspective ;
Some theological and canonical matters regarding specific ministerial forms and pastoral issues (polygamy, permanent deacons, female deacons) ;
Relationship between diocesan bishops and men and women religious in Africa ;
Some aspects of the person and ministry of the bishop in Africa (criteria for selection of bishops, exercise of episcopal authority, and relation with fellow african bishops and the roman curia/ pope) ;
The role of papal representatives in a missionary and synodal church-family of God in Africa ;
Theological criteria and synodal methodologies for discerning controversial issues ;
The role of papal representatives in a missionary and synodal church-family of God in Africa ;
The reception of the fruits of the ecumenical journey in ecclesial practices.

The discussions showed the richness of African perspectives: made up of common cultural and spiritual elements, but also of many diversities.

Enriching and insightful palavers

At the conclusion of this series of weekly synod conversations, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and also President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), congratulated the organisers for working to amplify the voice of the African continent in key global debates. He also said that the discussions had helped to ‘illuminate the way forward for the Church in Africa’, ‘deepened our understanding of synodality and positioned the African Church as a key voice in the global debate on leadership, evangelisation and mission’. With panache, he reviewed with the participants the experience of these weeks of discussions: ‘we have explored how the Church can truly become a Church of God, a Church-Family of God, a community defined by collaboration, unity and co-responsibility’. ‘We examined the importance of promoting ecumenical relations.’ ‘We reflected on the mission of the Church in the digital age. And we addressed pressing pastoral issues such as polygamy, the permanent diaconate, and the role of women in the Church.’ ‘Our discussions also highlighted the need for synergy between bishops, consecrated persons and ecclesiastical associations, as well as reflections on the co-responsibility of pastoral ministry.’ ‘This is work that will help us enormously in our discussions at the Synod in Rome.’ he added.

Subsequently, on 27 September 2024, a special event was organised to mark the concluding phase of these palavers. An opportunity to pray for the African delegates to the Synod’s session on synodality in Rome, who are charged with bringing the continent’s concerns and hopes to the international stage.

Synod versus African palaver

But why use the theme of ‘African palaver’ in the context of the Synod?

The African palaver refers to the traditional African way of resolving conflicts and disputes, and also of discussing village life, its problems and the policies to be implemented for the future. Participation is collective. Depending on the agenda, everyone or only part of the community takes part in this assembly, this palaver, to deal together with the village’s problems, pending matters and development issues. Through a wide-ranging debate involving all the partners concerned, everyone expresses themselves freely. Consensus is reached through ongoing dialogue with the stakeholders. Everyone is respected and listened to. The palaver was instituted to avoid anarchy in the community or village and to reach a concerted solution without penalising either party, while preserving social relations.

Synodality, in the Christian context, refers to a process of ecclesial governance in which decisions are taken in a collegial and participatory manner. All of God’s people are invited to become involved in the life and mission of the Church as it walks together. This includes :

Participation by all: All members of the Church, including lay people, are invited to take an active part in discussions and decisions.

The search for unity: the aim is to find solutions that strengthen the unity and mission of the Church.

Dialogue and listening: the emphasis is on listening to the Holy Spirit through the contributions of each member.

In conclusion, inclusive participation, communion, consensus-building, respect and listening are essential aspects of these two processes: Synodality and African palaver.

Outlook for the future

And now that the lights have gone out on this series of discussions?

In the words of Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo: ‘Let us remember that this is only the beginning of our journey. I encourage you all to continue in this spirit of unity, dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the fruits of these discussions shape the path of the Church in the years to come.’

Indeed these discussions on a continental scale would be interesting and important to continue, but especially with a much wider audience.

It was an experience that offered participants a valuable space for dialogue.

It also showed once again the many advantages that can be gained from making good use of modern means of communication.

This Church experience was an interesting space for discussing the issues affecting the Church in Africa, listening to everyone’s voice. May the lessons and reflections be effectively shared in the respective dioceses, parishes and local communities.

Let us pray for a Church in Africa that walks together, that responds to the needs of its people and that knows how to make its voice heard.

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