The Church in Africa is getting ready for the Second Session of the Synod on Synodality, with a series of engaging online conversations set to take place from June 7 to September 6. SECAM, PACTPAN and COSMAM organize these weekly sessions to unify the African Church’s voice in the global synodal process.
To Unify the African Church’s Voice Through the African Palaver Series
The goal is to set the stage for a transformative Second Session of the Synod on Synodality through an innovative online African Palaver. This initiative is organized collaboratively by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), and the Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COSMAM). Through the African Palaver series, they seek to unify the African Church’s voice in the global synodal process.
SECAM, PACTPAN and COSMAM’s Strategic Collaborations to Lead the Way
During a recent seminar organized by SECAM for the African bishops and delegates for the Second Session of the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, President of SECAM, invited African church leaders and scholars to engage in a synodal conversation. The Cardinal emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue among theologians, pastors, and the entire people of God in the African Church. He stated that this conversation should help Africa present a unified front and articulate the unique perspectives and challenges of the African Church in line with the synodal themes proposed by Pope Francis.
PACTPAN and COSMAM’s Missionary Engage in a Training Program to Foster Empowering Leadership
PACTPAN and the Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COSMAM) have formed strategic partnerships with the goal of addressing the aspirations and challenges of African Catholics. The focus is on leveraging their deep faith and dedication to propel the synodal process forward.
As part of this initiative, Pactpan and COSMAM aim to involve the entire church in a unique online dialogue using the African palaver method, focusing on the themes identified in the Synthesis Report.
In addition, they have been conducting a pilot program for the past two years. Currently, 382 students are taking online courses weekly, and 120 young people in Africa are studying to become digital missionaries for Africa and the world.
Join the Conversation by registering for the Online Palavers
The online palaver series, scheduled from June 7 to September 6, will explore themes from the Synthesis Report every Friday, guided by diverse conversation partners, including bishops, clergy, religious, and laity. Each two-hour session will follow a structured format, addressing three key questions: understanding the weekly theme, contextualizing it within Africa, and exploring future directions. It will conclude with an open discussion session permitting the participants to participate in unifying the African Church’s voice in the global synodal process.
Participants are required to register in advance to take part in these sessions. Through these online palavers, the African Church aims to contribute meaningfully to the global conversation and strengthen intra-Church bonds, fostering unity and collective discernment.
