“The Synod on Synodality extended a strong invitation to institutions of higher learning to engage in research and scholarship “aimed at clarifying and deepening the meaning of synodality and accompanying formation in the local Churches.” This volume responds to this invitation by gathering creative and critical reflections, analyses, and narratives of African scholars to advance the understanding, knowledge, and practice of synodality in the Church in Africa and beyond – Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod.

 

“This collection of insightful essays by African theologians offers a timely and profound reflection on how the African ecclesial experience can shape and deepen the Global Church’s synodal journey. Africa’s voice is an indispensable contribution to the Catholic Church’s future.”—Joe Healey, MM, coauthor, Towards an African Narrative Theology

 

“Synodality is part of the present acceleration in the history of Global Catholicism, and this book helps us in important ways to understand the key contribution coming from the Church in Africa.”—Massimo Faggioli, author, Theology and Catholic Higher Education

 

“This volume represents a theological milestone, an indispensable resource for understanding how the Church and theology in Africa are engaging with the reception of synodality today. It should be considered essential reading in every program of theological and pastoral formation. ”—Rafael Luciani, Senior Peritus, Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM); member, theological team, General Secretariat of the Synod, Professor of Ecclesiology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University

 

“This volume gathers the voices of leading African theologians and pastors in a spirit of palaver and conversation in the Spirit. It weaves wisdom, culture, and faith into a shared vision of journeying together as Church and makes a vital African theological contribution to renewing the Church’s mission and witness in a complex world.”—Stan Chu Ilo, author, Where Is God? An African Theology of Suffering and Smiling

 

“As the Final Document and the lived experience of the Synod emphasize the beauty of cultural diversity and the call for creative implementation of synodality in local Churches according to their context, this book, offering plural reflections on African synodal theology, is most welcome. It will surely inspire concrete pathways for the synodal journey to unfold as a 'path of spiritual renewal and structural reform' across this vibrant continent.

What strikes me most profoundly is the embodied approach to synodality these essays offer, deeply rooted in African culture, values, symbols and metaphors, while honestly naming some obstacles, including the challenges posed by patriarchal and hierarchical patterns. Rather than merely explaining synodal principles, the authors invite us to live them. This is precisely the spirit needed as we move from documents to transformed missionary communities.

Throughout the Synod, Africa has made vital contributions, beginning with the vision of Church as Family of God, which resonates powerfully with the synodal Church as a relational Church. In this book, Father Orobator has gathered insightful voices that highlight the continent's rich traditions of spirituality, communal discernment, and participatory decision-making, offering invaluable wisdom for reimagining concretely what it means to be Church as People of God, walking together to proclaim the Gospel and to serve the people in Africa. These voices exemplify the 'exchange of gifts' at the heart of synodality.” -Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ Under-Secretary, General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops