A Nigerian Theologian Calls African Church To Reform Communion With Rome

Reforming Communion Within The Church-Family Of God Is Not Merely An Administrative Task; It Is A Profound Spiritual Journey That Requires African Bishops And Papal Representatives To Work In Partnership, Ensuring The Church In Africa Remains A True Missionary And Synodal Community.

Reforming Communion: The Role of Papal Representatives 

In The Heart Of The Ongoing Synodal Conversation Led By The Pan-African Catholic Theology And Pastoral Network, The Relationship Between Papal Representatives And The African Church Takes Center Stage. The Dialogue, Ignited By A Presentation From Nigerian Theologian Fr. Idara Otu, MSP, Delves Into The Intricate Dynamics Of A Missionary And Synodal Church. As Africa’s Bishops Grapple With The Challenges And Opportunities Presented By These Relationships, The Question Looms Large: Can African Bishops And Papal Representatives Reform Communion Within The Church-Family Of God?

The Role Of Papal Representatives: Bridging The Local And Universal

Fr. Otu, A Member Of The Missionary Society Of Saint Paul And A Respected Professor Of Theology At The National Missionary Seminary Of St. Paul, Abuja, Set The Stage By Emphasizing The Fundamental Role Of Papal Representatives, Specifically Nuncios And The Roman Curia In The Life Of The Church In Africa. “Nuncios Are Not Mere Diplomats, But Pastors,” He Stressed, “Who Are Vital Links In The Relationship Between The Universal Church And Particular Churches.”
This Perspective Is Deeply Rooted In The Broader Ecclesiology Of The Church-Family Of God In Africa, Where The Local Church’s Voice Is Paramount. The Conversation Underscored The Importance Of Ensuring That The Ministry Of Papal Representatives Is Attuned To The Historical And Cultural Contexts Of African Communities. “The Way The Apostolic Nuncios Carry Out Their Mission Should Reflect A Genuine Attention To The Local Churches,” Fr. Otu Remarked, Echoing The Thrust Of Chapter 13 In The Synthesis Report, Which Highlights “The Decisive Role Of The Episcopal Conferences” In Shaping This Relationship.

Transparency And Accountability: Safeguards For A Synodal Church

The Theme Of Transparency And Accountability, As Integral Aspects Of A Synodal Church, Resonated Throughout The Discussion. The Assembly Was Particularly Attentive To The Proposed Evaluation Of The Work Of Papal Representatives By The Local Churches. “Within The Framework Of A Synodal Church, Which Promotes Co-Responsibility, Such Evaluations Are Not Just Advisable—They Are Necessary Safeguards Against Potential Abuses,” Argued One Participant.
This Call For Evaluation Is Aligned With The Principles Laid Out In Pope Francis’s Apostolic Constitution, Praedicate Evangelium. The Reform Of The Roman Curia, A Central Concern Since Vatican II, Is Seen As An Important Aspect Of The Catholic Church’s Synodal Journey. Fr. Otu Explained That Reform Is Not Just About Structural Changes In Rome. “It Demands Fostering Ecclesial Communion Characterized By Mutual Accountability, Co-Responsibility, And Subsidiarity Within The Universal Church And Particular Churches.”

Towards A Renewed Communion

As The Conversation Draws To A Close, It Is Clear That The Role Of Papal Representatives In Africa Is At A Critical Juncture. The Insights From African Theologians, Prelates, And Lay Leaders Reveal A Deep Yearning For A Renewed Communion That Honours The Local Church’s Voice While Maintaining Communion With The Universal Church. “Renewing This Relationship Is Not Just An Administrative Task,” Fr. Otu Concluded. “It Is A Spiritual Journey Towards Becoming A True Missionary And Synodal Church-Family Of God.”
The Reform Of The Curia And The Role Of Papal Representatives Must Be Attuned To The Unique Realities Of The African Church. Only Through A Committed Partnership Can The African Church Continue To Thrive In Its Mission, Embodying The Unity And Diversity That Are The Hallmarks Of The Catholic Faith.

To Know More, Read The Summaries Of The Past Conversations