As the African Synodal Conversations comes to a conclusion, Sr. Nathalie Becquart, a xaveriene sister and undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops who plays a key role in the Vatican, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking message. Speaking from her vast experience, she presented the vital role of both synodality and ecumenism in the African Church and the global Church’s mission. Sr. Becquart’s words invited the Church to continue building bridges between communities, embracing diversity, and fostering unity across cultures and traditions.
Synodality in Africa: Walking Together in Unity
Sr. Becquart began by expressing her appreciation for the African Palaver Series, which she recognized as a crucial step in preparing the Church for the global Synod on Synodality. She commended the efforts made to create spaces for dialogue and participation, highlighting the importance of involving all members of the Church in this journey.
Reflecting on the experiences of the Palaver series, she noted how synodality and ecumenism in the African Churchhave created a platform where the voices of laypeople, clergy, and religious are heard. “The strength of the Church lies in its diversity,” she remarked, pointing out that the diversity present within the Church is not a barrier but a source of vitality and strength. The synodal journey, as Sr. Becquart explained, is one where everyone’s contribution is valued, and the ability to listen deeply to one another becomes a powerful tool for transformation.
Ecumenism: A Call to Christian Unity
A key focus of Sr. Becquart’s address was the importance of ecumenism—the call for unity among Christians. She emphasized that synodality and ecumenism go hand in hand, forming a crucial part of the Church’s mission. “We are living in a historic moment for ecumenism,” she shared, pointing to the growing consensus across Christian denominations on the need to strengthen the bonds of unity.
Recalling the ecumenical prayer vigil Together held before the Synod’s first session in September 2023, Sr. Becquart highlighted this moment as a powerful symbol of the Church’s commitment to walking together with other Christian communities. She reminded the assembly that Pope Francis often speaks of the inseparable connection between synodality and ecumenism, emphasizing that the Church cannot progress on one path without advancing on the other.
Exchanging Gifts: Learning From One Another
One of the most profound outcomes of the ecumenical movement, Sr. Becquart noted, has been the practice of “exchanges of gifts.” This idea, rooted in the teachings of Vatican II, encourages Christian communities to learn from one another, sharing their unique strengths and experiences.
“With this Synod,” she explained, “we have come to appreciate the importance of sharing gifts at every level of the Church’s life.” She praised the African Church for its unique contributions to the global Church, emphasizing how its rich traditions and practices offer valuable insights. “Africa’s voice,” she said, “is a vital part of the Church’s journey, and its gifts are a source of enrichment for all.”
A Church Built on Communion
As Sr. Becquart brought her address to a close, she called on the Church to embrace synodality and ecumenism in the African Church as a means of progressing toward the visible unity of all Christians. Quoting from the Instrumentum Laboris, she reminded the assembly that “synodality is a prerequisite for advancing on the path of ecumenism.” Her message was clear: the Church must continue to walk together, embracing diversity while striving for unity.
“The Church is not self-referential,” she concluded. “It reflects the light of Christ and serves as a bridge for unity in a divided world.” Her words left the audience with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the synodal journey, encouraging them to continue building a Church that is inclusive, united, and mission-oriented.
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