The question of the contribution of the African Church to the Bishops’ Conference brings us back to the context of the Bishops’ Conference’s journey. Let’s expand on this question with two other questions. What contribution does the Church of the Family of God in Africa make to becoming a mission-based synodal Church? And how can the Church in Africa, as the late Pope Benedict Is it possible to continue to be a leader?
As a participant in this synod at local, continental and global levels, I believe that the contribution of the African church is actively involved in this synod process, and that, although at a qualitative stage, there is also some resistance. I can assure you that it does. It is evident at every level, that religious people, theologians (men and women), clergy, bishops, and the entire People of God approach the synodal process with joy and hope.
“African Monks” was initiated and implemented by Pactopan Network (Pan-African Network of Catholic Theology and Pastoral Service), Cosmam (Confederation of Leading Superiors of Africa and Madagascar) and SCEAM (Symposium of Episcopal Churches). Ta. Africa and Madagascar) has made key elements of the Synthesis Report available through its Theological Commission.
The report states, “The cultural, historical, and regional context in which the church exists reveals a variety of spiritual and material needs. It shapes the things that each of us brings to the synodal dialogue, and the language that we use to express ourselves.”
These parabars (complex steps) and exchanges are achievements and contributions to the second session of the Synod on Synodality. Through reflection, dialogue, dreaming and prayer, they bear witness to the future of the Synodal Church, the missionary African family of God.
During the continental phase in Addis Ababa, participants shared African-specific experiences of synodality in missions. These experiences helped the African Church grow with its own characteristics, as the Catholic Church in North Africa is not the same as the Catholic Church in the South, East, or West. These experiences have been truly enriching. From these experiences, Africa’s contribution can be understood as a church listening to its diversity.
Furthermore, the sharing of experiences increased awareness among both laity and clergy about the importance and mission of laity (men and women) within the church. This has led to the establishment of listening centers in religious communities, dioceses, and universities to provide spaces for individuals to listen, be present, and support.
These are the practices that the Second Session Institute Institute anticipated and further called for: reality. “
Additionally, interesting efforts have been made to introduce young people, women, and clergy to the spirit of synodality. For example, we founded a school of synodality in Senegal led by Sister Beatrice Fay. This aspiration expressed at the Continental Congress in Addis Ababa was realized. Africa is contributing by actively participating in this synodal journey.
Please note that donations to Africa are primarily for African Christians themselves. They learned that as African Catholics, we can bring wisdom and different perspectives to work together to succeed in our endeavors. Difference, tolerance and respect discover new dimensions of our common faith and different but complementary ways to celebrate our faith as Africans and journey together towards a future that God knows It helped me.
For Father Stan Chew Iro, a member of Paktan and one of the founders of the series of “African Monks,” these sessions are about the rich treasures of the faith we have as Africans and some of the It showed us the opportunities that God is opening up in Africa despite constant hardship. I must say that our people take the Christian faith seriously and want to live this faith truly and fruitfully.
The Church in Africa continues to bring synodal representatives, church leaders, religious leaders, pastoral agents, and laity into dialogue with other parts of the world in a dialogue that leads to conversion. The journey continues together…
Sister Solange Sahon Sia, an Ivorian religious sister, is the African province leader of the Congregation of Our Lady of Calvary. She was appointed a voting member of two sessions of the Synod of Rome. In Ivory Coast, he directs the Center for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable People at the Catholic Missionary Institute in Abidjan.
