Nnaemeka Ali, O.M.I

Co-Responsibility in the Church is the Path to UnIn an era marked by division and strife, the Church stands as a beacon of hope, a family where unity can be realized through the power of shared responsibility. During the 13th series of the African Synodal Conversations, a resounding call was made: Co-responsibility is the key to uniting the Church in its pastoral and synodal mission. On Friday, August 30, 2024, nearly 200 devoted participants—spanning theologians, priests, religious, and laypeople—gathered online to explore this critical theme. Father Francis Appiah-Kubi’s profound insights illuminated the path forward, offering a vision that is both deeply theological and urgently practical. The Sacred Foundation of Co-Responsibility Father Appiah-Kubi’s message cut to the core of what it means to be a Church family: “Co-responsibility is not merely about institutional collaboration—it is a divine call rooted in our shared identity as God’s children,” he explained. He emphasized that within the Church, there is no room for hierarchy based on superiority or competition. “Our relationships are not defined by domination or servitude, but by the profound truth that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.” This vision, he pointed out, is grounded in the Trinitarian nature of God, where mutual love and service define the relationships among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “In the Church family of God,” he continued, “our filiation to God the Father and our fraternal bond with one another in Jesus Christ transcend ethnic and tribal particularisms, uniting us in a journey towards the fullness of the Kingdom.” Breaking Down the Barriers to Unity As the discussion unfolded, the deep-seated issues that divide the Church in Africa were brought to light. “Tribalism, clannishness, and favoritism are not just societal issues—they are spiritual wounds that disrupt our mission,” Father Appiah-Kubi warned. He called for a courageous and honest confrontation of these evils, urging the Church to embody a true spirit of synodality. “Synodality,” he said, “is about walking together as a family, where every voice is valued, and every person’s participation is respected, even beyond the divisions that characterize our societies.” He highlighted that this approach demands solidarity, mutual support, and a deep attention to the needs and contributions of each member of the Church. Father Appiah-Kubi further stressed that “synodality is not about creating new structures within the Church, but about living the Gospel in a renewed way—one that prioritizes communion and inclusivity over division and exclusion.” Envisioning a Church of Service and Communion Moving from diagnosis to action, Father Appiah-Kubi painted a vivid picture of what a truly co-responsible Church looks like: “The Church should not become a hierarchy of leaders and subordinates but must be a community of service and communion.” He urged the faithful to abandon the pursuit of power and instead embrace a life of service, following the example set by Christ himself. “Our mission is to serve,” he reminded everyone, “not by seeking power or recognition, but by loving and serving one another as Christ loved and served us.” He pointed out that the true measure of leadership in the Church is found not in authority or status, but in the willingness to serve others, especially the marginalized and the suffering Father Appiah-Kubi’s words echoed with the conviction that “a synodal Church must not make alliances with any form of ethnic or tribal discrimination—it must instead be a living witness to the Trinitarian love that unites us as one family of God.” This, he argued, is the only path to a Church that is truly missionary, united in its diversity, and faithful to its calling. A Clarion Call to the Church in Africa As the conversation drew to a close, the urgency of Father Appiah-Kubi’s call to action resonated deeply with all who were present. “The future of our Church depends on our willingness to share the burden of responsibility,” he asserted. He encouraged the participants to see themselves as co-responsible for the Church’s well-being, to prioritize the mission of the Church over personal interests, and to engage in the communal discernment necessary for true unity. “Each member of the Church, no matter how insignificant they may seem in the eyes of the world, has a vital role to play,” he emphasized. He likened the Church to a symphony, where “every instrument and voice counts, creating harmony and dynamism when each one plays its part.” This message of co-responsibility did not end with the session; it spread like wildfire, igniting a renewed commitment to unity and service among the participants. The vision of a Church united in co-responsibility is not just an ideal—it is a tangible reality that is within reach, but only if every believer steps forward, takes up their role, and walks together on this sacred journey.

The Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) is a group of African scholars and pastoral agents who work in the Catholic tradition. They aim to create a better Church and society in Africa by engaging with the challenges and opportunities of Christian expansion in the continent. They do this by thinking differently and working collaboratively in new ways every day.