“Seeds of Synodal Church already sprouting all over Africa”: African Member of Theological Commission of Synod

“Today, most of the testimonies show the joy of the synodal path taken, which has given new life to many local communities and brought about significant changes in their way of living and being Church,” Sr. Faye whose presentation was titled, “African Synodal Methods, Processes, and Approaches”, said.

The member of the Theological Commission of the Synod recounted her experience of the “School for Synodality”, an initiative she organized to foster understanding of the Synodal process.

“The School for Synodality is not about this or that question, but about synodality; about being a missionary church on the move. Our meetings are first and foremost moments when each participant, as part of a journey begun in 2021, shares his or her experience, learns to listen to the other, and falls silent to welcome what the Spirit is saying through the other.”

She continued, “The methodology of the School for Synodality is based primarily on sharing initiatives, experiences, and discernment, both personally and in community.”

“At each meeting, participants are invited to write up an experience dealing with the subject and to discuss and prepare decisions for concrete action; this method gives priority to dialogue and listening,” Sr. Faye said, adding that “with an emphasis on prayer and the centrality of God's Word, the school fosters communion among participants.”

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She went on to encourage the appropriation of digitality. She said, “It's imperative for the Church in Africa to take full root in the digital world to witness to its faith authentically and effectively.”

Such appropriation, the Catholic Nun said, requires the practice of “forgiveness, adaptation, training, and constant discernment to navigate in environments where wisdom and prudence are at work while exploiting its potential for evangelization and communion.”

“Training, promoting official Church sites, and encouraging young digital leaders are essential steps to take in the synodal process,” Sr. Faye said.

She advocated for authenticity in living the principles of the Synod on Synodality, highlighting listening and mutual respect among important practices. 

“By committing ourselves to living synodality authentically and inclusively, we aspire to build a Church where everyone feels listened to, respected, and called to contribute to the common mission,” the Burkina Faso-based CIC member said. 

She added, “There is the urgency and necessity of integral formation for all people of God in order to live synodality. In other words, common training at all levels is essential to promote a culture of synodality.”

Sr. Faye also urged the Church in Africa to pay attention to “digital missionaries” and “Catholic influencers” so that their members become “reliable and dependable partners in accompanying evangelization.”

“I remain convinced that the Church in Africa is alive and, on the move,” the Senegalese-born Catholic Nun said.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.