By Charles Igwe
Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea of Bamenda, Cameroon, emphasized the significance of synodality in Africa during an October 22 media briefing at the Vatican. He described the Synod on Synodality as a powerful process of rejecting individualism and fostering community within the Church, particularly in Africa.
Speaking on the importance of synodality, Archbishop Nkea called it an “eschatological sign,” symbolizing unity and peace among diverse people. Referencing Isaiah’s vision, he compared the gathering of different voices at the Synod to the peaceful coexistence of the lion and the lamb.
“My wish is that we return from this Synod not as passive recipients but as active ambassadors,” Archbishop Nkea said, expressing his belief that synodality is the future path for the Church.
He highlighted that for Africa, synodality represents a strong communal way of living and working together, standing in contrast to individualism. “Synodality for us in Africa, especially for the community where I come from, is a total rejection of individualism,” he emphasized. The Archbishop stressed that Small Christian Communities (SCCs) are key to maintaining the Church’s growth in Africa, serving as a model of collaboration and unity from the family level up to the universal Church.
“We are going through a boom of Catholicism in Africa. Our churches are full,” he said, acknowledging the challenge of keeping them full in the future. He noted that the communal nature of SCCs means there are “no anonymous Catholics,” with members knowing each other intimately.
Archbishop Nkea also underscored the vital role of catechists in African parishes, particularly in remote areas. He explained that catechists, many of whom are women, sustain the life of the Church at every level—within SCCs, mission stations, and parishes.
Addressing concerns about the participation of women in Church leadership, Archbishop Nkea stated that this issue is less of a challenge in Africa, where women already play significant leadership roles, particularly as catechists. “More than 50 percent of our catechists are women,” he noted, underscoring the integral role they play in the Church’s mission.
Archbishop Nkea concluded by reaffirming Africa’s commitment to the synodal journey, describing it as “a new way of being Church” and expressing confidence that synodality would help the Church navigate future challenges while preserving its unity. “The Church will still be one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic,” he affirmed.
