Journeying Together: Synodality as a Way of Life
The second Synodal conversation, organized by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network and the Confederation of the Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar, occurred on June 14, 2024. The event, centered around the theme “The Synodal Missionary Face of the Church Family of God in Africa,” brought together leading voices in African Catholicism, including Bishop Anthony Borwah of Liberia. The bishop emphasized the importance of “journeying together,” presenting synodality as not merely a process but a way of life. “Synodality is about communion, about being missionaries to one another,” Bishop Borwah stated, highlighting the essence of the Church’s mission in Africa. The conversation also introduced Sr. Olga Massango, a Pauline Sister from Mozambique, as a significant partner in these ongoing discussions.
The Missionary Synodal Face: Integrating African Patterns
Sr. Olga Massango contributed to the discussion by focusing on the missionary synodal face of the African Church, drawing from the experiences of the Pauline Sisters. She underscored the importance of pastoral animation rooted in African cultural patterns to deepen the faithful’s understanding of the Bible. “Bible enrollment in homes and churches is crucial,” Sr. Olga stressed, advocating for a practice that intertwines faith with daily life. She called on the growing African Church to take responsibility for nourishing its faith community, turning each member into a missionary. The conversation highlighted the need for a contextualized approach that respects and incorporates African traditions and patterns into the Church’s pastoral mission.
Women’s Roles and the Need for Coherent Discussions
Dr. Sylvia Ruambo from Tanzania brought attention to the often-disjointed nature of Church discussions, particularly concerning the role of women. She emphasized the necessity of integrating the wisdom of past generations into the Church’s mission, advocating for a more balanced and complementary approach that promotes women’s roles within the Church. “To truly embody the synodal process, we must appreciate and promote women’s roles,” Dr. Ruambo asserted, calling for greater clarity and coherence in Church teachings and practices, especially in African contexts. The discussion also touched on the challenges of accessing Church teachings and the need for more concise interventions during meetings to ensure concrete outcomes.
Complementary Differences and Empowerment
The conversation concluded with a focus on recognizing and valuing the complementary differences between men and women within the Church. The “head and heart” metaphor was used to illustrate their respective contributions to society, emphasizing mutual respect and empowerment. The importance of making the Bible more accessible and affordable, particularly in African communities, was also discussed. Sr. Olga highlighted the ongoing efforts to translate and distribute the Bible in all African languages, stressing that inclusivity and participation are key to the Church’s mission. “We must empower local structures and communities, promoting a synodal consciousness that addresses Africa’s unique issues,” Dr. Ruambo concluded, underscoring the importance of a Continental synod that genuinely reflects the voice of the African Church.
