Only by uniting the Church through genuine collaboration can we build a future where all voices—bishops, clergy, and laypeople—truly shape our shared mission.
Uniting the Church: The Testimony of an Engaged Laywoman
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – During the 13th series of the African Synodal Conversations, focused on the theme “Co-Responsibility in Pastoral Ministries and Leadership in a Missionary and Synodal Church,” nearly 200 participants, including bishops, clergy, religious, and lay Catholics from around the world, gathered online to discuss the future of the Church. Among them, Mrs. Martine Kouadio-Gokra, a laywoman from Côte d’Ivoire, delivered a stirring testimony on the challenges of collaboration within the Church. Drawing from her experiences with basic Catholic communities, she tasks the participants to engage in uniting the church.
Facing Real Challenges on the Ground
Mrs. Kouadio-Gokra highlighted a critical issue: the communication gap between Church leaders and laypeople. “There is often a significant disconnect between us, the laity, and those who lead the Church,” she stated. Her experiences vividly illustrated how this divide hampers the Church’s pastoral mission. This widely shared concern emphasizes the urgent need to rethink how different levels of the Church can work together.
Advocating for an Inclusive Church
Mrs Kouadio-Gokra made a strong case for a Church where laypeople, especially those from grassroots communities, play an active role in pastoral decision-making. “We must create spaces where collaboration becomes a concrete reality,” she affirmed. Her message resonated with the global audience, highlighting the importance of inclusion and the vital contribution of all Church members in its governance.
A Call to Unite for the Future
In her closing remarks, Mrs Kouadio-Gokra reiterated the call for lasting reform rooted in true faith. “Only by working together can we build a stronger and more united Church,” she emphasized. Her powerful words, echoing across continents, left a lasting impact on the participants of this virtual and listening to the synodal gathering, inspiring hope and solidarity for the Church’s future.
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