2009 Africa Synod
The Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, “the African Reconciliation Project”: The role of Missionary Institutes
Written by Paul Saa-Dade Ennin sma, posted on January 29, 2009A member of the SMA General Council, Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, participates regularly in reflection sessions organised by SEDOS[1] of which he is an active member. As a preparation towards the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, he shared his thoughts on the theme of the Synod in an article for publication in the Sedos bulletin. He has revised his article in the light of the conclusions of the Synod. Published here is the revised edition. conseiller1@smaroma.org, For more on the synod visit www.yesafricamatters.org
Introduction
It is almost 15 years since the First Special Synod of bishops for Africa was held in Rome and the fruits made available in the post synodal exhortation “Ecclesia in Africa” of Pope John Paul II. The first synod for Africa did confront a lot of the challenges facing the African Church and the African continent today: evangelisation, the family, Justice and Peace, the mass media, war and conflict, the debt burden and the arms trade, corruption and dictatorship, the youth, disease and refugee situations etc. However, one can term it, without any fear of contradiction, as “the special synod on Inculturation.” The propositions of that synod opened a wave of discussion on how the Gospel, the Word made Flesh, can become incarnate, meaningful and relevant to the people of Africa through an inculturated evangelisation. The ecclesiology of “Church as Family of God”, one of the fruits of the synod, remains one of the main ecclesiological themes in Africa today.
The Second Special Synod of bishops for Africa has just taken place in Rome from the 4th to the 25th of October 2009, under the theme “The Church in Africa in service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace”. The Final message of the Synod and the Propositions are now available to us. As we wait for the post-synodal exhortation of the Holy Father, I will like to share with you my thoughts on the need for reconciliation in Africa and the role missionary Institutes in Africa can play in this delicate but vital mission of the Church. I shall do this from my own point of view as an African who is a member of an International missionary Institute.
Why a Second Synod for Africa?
As Pius Rutechura puts it, “in convening the Second Synod of Africa, the interpretation is that the Church in Africa has an unfinished agenda!”[1] That agenda is in the area of reconciliation, justice and peace. The Instrumentum Laboris asserts that “the present synodal assembly is to be considered in the continuing dynamics of the preceding one.”[2]
Reflections on the Synod: Where to go from here?
Posted On December 4, 2009
By Rocco Puopolo s.x., Executive Director
The Second Special Assembly of Bishops on Africa ended in Rome on October 25th. But the process continues, and the main agents are those who continue to commit time and talent to this Synod. Bishops from around the world gave more than 3 weeks of their time in Rome, and it was no vacation. They took a serious look at issues ranging from challenges for family, to resource exploitation, trade imbalances, debt, climate change, women in Africa, conflicts, poor governance, migration, corruption, globalization, health challenges, and insufficient media coverage of the real Africa with all its lights and shadows. You have faithfully followed the Synod’s events through this newsletter and the website www.yesafricamatters.org. So, now what?
Message to the People of God Special Assembly of Bishops for Africa October 2009
Posted on November 20, 2009
Preface
The following pages contain the public message of challenge and hope that the Second Special Synod of Catholic Bishops for Africa offer to people of good will. Click here to download the message. This three week gathering which took place in Rome, Italy from October 4th to October 25th was an opportunity to review the situation both of Church and society in these recent years on the Continent of Africa and respond as pastors. Topics ranged from the challenge to family, resource exploitation, trade imbalances, debt, climate change, role of women in Africa, conflicts, poor governance, migration, corruption, globalization, HIV/Aids and other health challenges, insufficient media coverage of the real Africa with all its lights and shadows to mention a few. But cutting across all these discussions was an experience of real solidarity, true attention to each other and concern that stirred hope and possibility for all in the face of significant challenges. This was the greatest gift of these days and the pastors of Africa offer this message and experience of solidarity to the world. Solidarity offered a sense of belonging. It is mutual. It is basic to all the particular concerns of justice, reconciliation and peace which dominated the discussions and recommendations.
I was present in Rome during this Synod and I can testify to the excitement and hope that was generated through this Synod. Africa calls for our keen attention. Africa offers the world much in terms of resources, both human and more. Africa is not the sick child that many perceive it to be. It is the young giant whose peoples and countries are coming of age and are calling for an equal place at the table.
As you read these paragraphs, keep these questions in mind.
- How has this message changed my perceptions of Africa, its challenges and its hopes?
- What more do I need to learn to better understand and appreciate the challenges and hopes of Africa?
- What does solidarity with Africa mean to me after reading this message?
- How can I share the concerns and challenges of Africa in my life and work?
More information will be available on www.afjn.org as well as www.yesafricamatters.org in the coming months. The Synod is a process, not an event, and the implementation of recommendations from this meeting has begun. Won’t you join us!
Fr. Rocco Puopolo, s.x.
Executive Director
Africa Faith and Justice Network
Outreach Based on Need not Creed
Posted October 16, 2009
By Rocco Puopolo s.x., Executive Director
Bishop George Biguzzi of the Diocese of Makeni, Sierra Leone, was recently invited to Washington to make a presentation on migration in West Africa to the United States Catholics Conference of Bishops (USCCB) Migration and Refugees Services Department. As one of the West African bishop delegates to the African Synod in October, one of the issues Bishop George brings to the Synod is that of migration and refugees, a justice issue largely absent from the preparatory documentation for this event. Bishop George has been the bishop of Makeni, one of three dioceses in Sierra Leone, since 1987. Bishop George is also the president of the local Bishops Conference, which includes the Gambia.
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