SECAM: Africa’s Delegates to Synod Open Discourse on Adaptation of New Modalities of Mission

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Ahead of the second phase of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops slated for 2 to 27 October 2024 in Rome, delegates from the African continent met to discuss and contextualize how to be a synodal Church in mission.

In their two-day workshop from 24-25^th April, at Donum Dei in Nairobi, Kenya, the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), his Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu said during the press release, that the delegates delved into how to adapt to new modalities of mission.

According to the Cardinal who is the Archbishop of Kinshasa Archdiocese in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the workshop which saw the Synod delegates work in groups to deliberate on various topics resolved to “deepen the experience of journeying with Jesus Christ and fidelity to the Christian vocation in Africa.”

Besides, in responding to new ways of being a Church, particularly in the relationships between bishops, Consecrated persons, and laity as was highlighted in the Synthesis Report emphasizing equal baptismal dignity, the delegates shared that the concern “involves strengthening the liturgical life of the Church, ensuring the integrity of pastoral agents in evangelization and expanding the presence of the African Church in the digital and cyberspaces,” the Cardinal read the statement on Thursday, April 25.

He expressed that the workshop proved to be “another important moment of grace, a true “Kairos” for the Church in Africa to affirm its commitment to walk together as a united Church – a family of God in Africa, in the service of announcing the Gospel for the better future of the African continent.”

Additionally, the African delegates discussed how to strengthen participation, co-responsibility, and ecclesial discernment of all the baptized members through existing ecclesial structures and groupings at the continental level.

The delegates according to the Cardinal’s message concurred to the fact that “Africa must embrace the experience of Small Christian Communities (SCCs); and the rich philosophical principles of Ubuntu, which highlight the values of family, fraternity, and solidarity,” he added that synodality calls for the integration of the distinct cultural and community forces into the broader mission of our Church.

From the workshop, the SECAM Secretariat will compile and synthesize the reflections of the African delegates which will be sent to the General Secretariat of the Synod as contributions of the delegates for a wider synodal discussions.

The Cardinal appreciated the two days’ participation of the delegates and the media for their vital role in promoting communion and pastoral solidarity across Africa.

“Through traditional and digital media platforms, you continue to share crucial news and information, contributing significantly to our mission of evangelization in Africa,” Cardinal Ambongo said.