Catholic Theologian Urges Apostolic Nuncios to Acknowledge Diversity of Church in Africa “as a gift” to Universal Church

“The overemphasis of administrative duties at the expense of pastoral care and limited support for local initiatives have also exacerbated these challenges,” the Nigerian member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) said.

The August 16 event is the latest in a series of discussions that theologians in Africa have organized to deepen the understanding of the Synthesis Report of the Synod on Synodality ahead of the 2-29 October 2024 session in Rome.

Realized under the theme, “The Role of Papal Representatives in a Missionary and Synodal Church-Family of God in Africa”, the 11th palaver was pegged on Chapter 13 of the Synthesis Report, which affirms that the reform of the Curia is “an important aspect of the Catholic Church’s synodal journey”.

Discussions were centered on key questions, among them how the reform of the Roman Curia applies to the Church in Africa, as well as what the contributions of the Church in Africa to the reform are.

In a concept note that was shared with ACI Africa ahead of the August 16 event, organizers of the palaver said prior consultation with “some African prelates” had revealed “many instances where the Curia’s relationship with African bishops… hampers the effectiveness of African bishops.”

“Some African prelates complained that they are often not respected and that this makes it harder for African bishops to assume full agency as effective governors of their own local churches,” the theologians said in the concept note, adding, “A few bishops also noted that they are often being controlled from Rome as if African churches are colonial outposts.”

The theologians further raised questions such as “are the opinions and perspectives of African bishops individually or through regional and continental episcopal bodies taken into consideration in decisions made in Rome for the Universal Church or for Africa?”

In his August 16 presentation, Fr. Otu suggested ways through which a theology of communion being developed in Africa can improve the relationship between Rome and African Prelates and churches.

He proposed a “rediscovery” of the African continent in an attempt to foster authentic communion between the Roman Curia and local Churches on the world’s second-largest and second-most-populous continent.

“I propose a rediscovery of the nature of the Church in terms of ‘who’, ‘why’ and ‘where’ of the Church,” the African Ecclesiologist, who lectures at the Missionary of St Paul’s Seminary in Abuja, Nigeria, said. 

“Who is the Church in Africa, why is the Church in Africa, and where is the Church in Africa?” he posed, and continued, “Answering these questions will serve as a deeper theological foundation to strengthen the relationship between the Roman Curia and local Churches. It also means that particular Churches must strive for credible governance, self-sustainability, and effective mission practice.”

“The Roman Curia on the hand must promote Synodality subsidiarity, and co responsibility in relating with local Churches,” the Nigerian MSP member said.

Describing the Roman Curia as primarily an instrument at the service of the Holy Father, Fr. Otu said that the mission of Apostolic Nuncios should therefore be to assist Local Ordinaries and Catholic Bishops’ Conferences.

According to Fr. Otu, challenges such as ethnicity, tribalism, clericalism, ineffective governance structures in Africa are straining the relationship between local churches and the Roman Curia. Other challenges in Africa are lack of competent personnel and dependency on the West.

From the Roman Curia, on the other hand, is “ineffective communication, bureaucracy, and lack of transparency,” Fr. Otu lamented, adding that the situation “creates a sense of paternalism, authoritarianism, and excessive control from the Roman Curia.”

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“We need to re-imagine the role of Apostolic Nuncios in terms of them being pastors. Fundamentally, they are pastors, and they play an important role in helping local Churches in evangelization,” he said, adding that the Roman Curia, on the other hand, must see itself as the bridge builders between the Holy Father and Local Churches.

Additionally, the Church in Africa needs to do more in forming personnel capable of engaging the Roman Curia in working with the Church in a way that promotes the good of the Church in Africa, the Nigerian theologian said.

At the August 16 palaver, Wilfrid Fox Cardinal Napier cautioned participants against having “unrealistic” expectations from Nuncios, adding that the Holy Father’s representatives have their work cut out for them.

“I am wondering if our expectations of Nuncios are not unrealistic,” Cardinal Napier said, and added, “Their main task is to ensure that messages, teachings, policies that are generated at the Vatican get through to the local Church. They are also there to make sure that what the local Church is experiencing is transferred back to the Vatican so that adjustments can be made from time to time in regard to the issues that are being considered.”

The South African Cardinal added, “We just got a new Nuncio and he made it quite clear that he is here as the ears, the mouth, and the heart of the Holy Father.”

The Cardinal, who started his Episcopal Ministry in February 1981 as Bishop of South Africa’s Diocese of Kokstad said in choosing a Bishop, the Apostolic Nuncio is responsible also for passing on the names that have been recommended by the local conference and other individuals.