Lay people seeking more than sacraments; Church in Africa behind in satisfying their Needs – SMA Ghana Vice Provincial

He asserts that lay people are increasingly seeking more meaningful involvement than merely receiving sacraments, criticising the Church in Africa for being behind in addressing these evolving needs.

In an interview with Catholic Trends, Fr. Etti highlighted a significant shift within the Catholic laity in Africa, noting, “The ‘rising’ active lay apostolate in the Catholic Church in Africa denotes the spontaneous interest being generated in the laity vis-à-vis evangelisation and the desire for spiritual growth.”

He emphasised that this trend, which has gained momentum over the past decade, reflects a deeper desire among lay people to play active roles in the Church.

Fr. Etti observed that these active lay groups, known by different names in various countries—such as “prayer ministries” in Nigeria and “Communaute Nouvelles” in Ivory Coast—are flourishing due to their clear goals and the identity they provide to their members.

“These groups are attracting many followers due to many factors: they satisfy the quest of some lay people who want to be active in the church’s life and mission; they are clear with their goals and mission regarding their followers; they give identity to their followers,” he said.

The SMA Ghana Vice Superior also pointed out a gap in the Church’s response to these new dynamics. “The lay people do not want to be just mere consumers of sacraments anymore,” he stated, arguing that the Church needs to embrace a more participatory approach.

Fr. Etti referring to Evangelii Nuntiandi no.16, stated that, “They (The laity) have understood that the Church ‘exists in order to evangelize,’ and this is the spirit of Vatican II. I think the lay people have realized that something is lacking or they want to assert their role and place according to Lumen Gentium of Vatican II.”

He argued that “I am not saying the church should handover the sacraments to the laity. No. The laity are part of the church and everyone is or was once a lay person- the Pope was once a layman before receiving ordination. The clergy seems threatened by the gifts being manifested by some lay people. But my question is: are we in competition in the church? I am often pissed when I hear priests saying there are rules for this and that without showing them.”

He criticised the current Church structure for being insufficiently adaptive to the needs of the laity. “The Church seems to be oblivion to the opened world granted to everyone through technology. The clergy still thinks of a laity that needs to be sermonized every day. The clergy is being confrontational instead of being on the side of dialogue,” he said.

Fr. Etti urged African Church leaders to engage more collaboratively with the laity, suggesting that, “The Church leaders must sit down with the laity, initiate ways of understanding their wishes and aspirations instead of always trying to determine how the laity should think or reason.”

Addressing the issue of lay involvement, Fr. Etti emphasised that the Church must move beyond a hierarchical mindset. “I don’t think the laity is in need of any help,” he stated. “To talk of helping the laity places them at a state of imperfection in need of the clergy’s help. This is a pre-Vatican II concept.” He argued for a more inclusive approach, highlighting the need for structures that accommodate the diverse gifts of lay people, reflecting the spirit of synodality and shared mission.

Fr. Etti also called for a re-evaluation of how lay people are integrated into Church activities. “We have to strategise and create avenues for our lay people,” he said.

“We should not only think of the place of the laity in the Mass. Outside Mass, there is a lot.” He proposed, “Why not consider training lay leaders with pastoral and evangelization skills? We can call them lay leaders or servants.”