The Synod on Synodality has affirmed values that have long been part of African cultures, particularly the emphasis on communion, participation and doing things together, Rev. Fr. Andrew Kaufa has said.
Fr. Kaufa, the East Africa Regional Representative on the Synodality Observatory and Deputy Secretary General of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), told Catholic Trends that the Synodal journey has shown that Africa already has strong cultural foundations that support the Church’s call for greater participation.
“Synodality affirmed a number of things that are already done from the cultural point of view, especially if you talk about doing things together in the context of African cultures where we believe in being together, doing things together in a village or in a community,” he said.
According to Fr. Kaufa, values of communion are not limited to one cultural group but are deeply present across the continent.
“It is not only in the Bantu society. Even in the societies of the Nilotes, in societies of people who are not Bantus, the whole of Africa values and cherishes communion,” he said.
Fr. Kaufa, who is among representatives helping to coordinate the Synodality Observatory initiative, said Africa’s experience of synodality offers the universal Church an opportunity to rediscover the importance of journeying together.
He explained that the observatory is seeking to capture how these values are being expressed in Church life, including pastoral activities, formation programmes, research and other initiatives.
While acknowledging that the implementation of synodality is progressing at different levels across Africa, Fr. Kaufa said there are encouraging signs of renewed commitment from Church leaders.
“Africa is broad, and I can say with sincerity, the Church is doing something, but they are not at the same level,” he said.
“Something is happening, but it is not uniform. There are different stages.”
He said the Synodal process has also challenged the Church to deepen collaboration between bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful.
“Decision-taking is the role and responsibility of the bishop. But decision-making as a process, the Synod says the bishop must consult,” Fr. Kaufa explained.
For Fr. Kaufa, synodality is ultimately about creating a Church where everyone recognises their responsibility.
“The Church belongs to everybody, and everybody has a role to play,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Synodality Observatory would help the Church in Africa preserve its experiences and share its contribution to the wider Catholic Church.
“It is my prayer that this project becomes a success. We have to speak with one voice, join together as a Church in Africa, and tell our story of being synodal,” he said.
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