ZAMBIA: Birth of a Synodal Church Shakes Status Quo

By Sandra Kunda

Fr. Cletus Mwiila, a Missionary of Synodality, has called attention to the ongoing transformation within the Catholic Church, stating that the way we have traditionally understood Church life is coming to an end.

Fr. Mwiila said modern social dialogue has shaken the status quo, ushering in a new era that demands that the Church adapts to the current social context.

“The sure way we knew of being Church is coming to an end,” Fr. Mwiila explained. “This naturally demands a Church of the future infused in the current social dialogue.”

Fr. Mwiila emphasized that this shift involves a process of grieving, comparing it to stages such as denial, bargaining, anger, depression, and finally, acceptance.

“When we accept the reality at this stage, then another way of being Church unfolds, and the challenges of the time will become opportunities,” Fr. Mwiila pointed out.

He further noted that informal conversations in Church circles reveal concerns about the current state of the Church. The situation, he added, demands a new language of mission, but there is a widespread feeling of inadequacy when it comes to confronting this new era.

He cited rapid cultural and social change, increased prosperity, and the huge influence of the media as key reasons for this shift, adding that the Church and the Gospel must continue to serve as “salt and light” within this new environment.

“The future Church’s leadership will be different; it will be made up of leaders who are evangelizers and missionary disciples who speak and understand the social dialogue language of this era,” he noted.

This future Church, he added, will also be more involved with marginalized communities, embracing the Synodal vision of inclusivity that invites everyone to the center. Fr. Mwiila suggests that the Church will return to its roots, drawing inspiration from the earliest Christian communities and sacred places such as Lake Galilee, the upper room in Jerusalem, and the road to Emmaus.

In this time of renewal, Fr. Mwiila sees an opportunity for the Church to listen to both God’s will and the voices of the faithful in light of its teachings.

Fr. Mwiila stressed that any law regulating this new pastoral reality must be inspired by the Holy Spirit. He further called upon the Church to move forward in faith, just as Abraham did, trusting that God is guiding this journey of renewal.

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