By Charles Igwe
African bishops at the Synod on Synodality have played a significant role in resisting moves to grant greater doctrinal autonomy to regional episcopal conferences, expressing satisfaction with the gathering’s final recommendations, which Pope Francis has formally adopted, according to a leading African prelate.
Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda, Cameroon, highlighted Africa’s strong presence and preparation for the synod, particularly following the continent’s vocal opposition to the Vatican’s surprising endorsement of same-sex blessings in the Fiducia Supplicans declaration last year. “This is one of those synods that Africa came prepared for,” he stated in an interview in Rome on October 27.
Archbishop Nkea reported that African delegates are returning home “full of joy,” partly because the final report does not transfer doctrinal authority to the episcopal conferences, which some in the West had proposed. “We thought that if power to decide on doctrinal issues, or some of that power, shifted to national episcopal conferences, we’d have a chaotic Church,” he explained. The archbishop affirmed that while pastoral collaboration and cultural adaptation are welcomed, decisions on faith and morals must remain unified.
One of the more contentious points was Paragraph 92, which proposes amending canon law to clarify the roles in decision-making processes. Archbishop Nkea, a canon lawyer, expressed strong opposition to this proposal, explaining that while laity opinions can be consulted, their votes should not influence doctrinal decisions. “If it has to be a deliberated vote, then the Church has gone democratic and it’s a kind of Protestantism that has taken over,” he cautioned.
Addressing the ongoing discussion on women deacons, Archbishop Nkea noted Pope Francis’ clear opposition to the idea, despite its inclusion for further study in the synod’s final recommendations. “The Holy Father has said very clearly that, as for him, ‘this subject is closed,’” he remarked, emphasizing that the Pope respects the synod’s deliberative nature but remains steadfast on this issue.
Archbishop Nkea also voiced reservations about Paragraph 27, which connects liturgy and synodality, suggesting that the paragraph opens opportunities for broad interpretations. “This paragraph was controversial because it opens the door for initiatives to be taken and justified, and this is subject to a lot of interpretation,” he noted, adding that he hopes interpretations will be cautious.
Regarding relations with the German bishops, Archbishop Nkea indicated that dialogue was amicable, emphasizing that the German position on certain doctrinal issues “was not an issue for the synod.” However, he proposed the African model of small Christian communities as a solution to the Western Church’s vocations crisis, advocating it as an antidote to individualism. “Once we group ourselves together, and we see ourselves as Christians sharing joys and sorrows together, sharing preoccupations and anxieties with Christ at the center, nothing will break us,” he asserted.
Archbishop Nkea, newly elected to the synod’s Ordinary Council, views synodality as an enduring element of Church governance, pointing out that Africa has practiced synodality for 25 years within its provincial pastoral plan. Reflecting on the synod’s discussions, he emphasized that the Church’s teachings on faith and morals remain intact, and while debates may arise, the Church’s apostolic and Catholic identity endures.
“The synod is a give and take,” Archbishop Nkea observed. “You don’t always have what you want, but at least what Jesus taught will not be changed.”
