Cardinal Ambongo calls African Church to embrace a deeper culture of listening

The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, has called on the Church in Africa to embrace a deeper culture of listening, shared discernment and co-responsibility as the continent begins preparations for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly.

Opening the First Preparatory Seminar of the Church in Africa on the theme “The Synodal Church in Africa: Journeying Towards the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly” in Addis Ababa, Cardinal Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, described the gathering as a significant moment in the life of the African Church and the beginning of a broader continental process of discernment.

He said the seminar comes at a pivotal moment for the universal Church, as Catholics reflect on how to become “a more synodal and missionary Church.” He urged participants to approach the process as a spiritual discernment aimed at recognizing the signs of God’s action within Christian communities.

“Africa approaches this process with humility, but also with confidence,” said the Congolese Cardinal, stressing that the continent has much to contribute to the universal Church.

The commitment of lay faithful

He highlighted Africa’s experience of community life, the vitality of Small Christian Communities, the commitment of catechists and lay faithful, the contribution of women, the missionary enthusiasm of young people, and African traditions of dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity as gifts capable of enriching the wider Church.

At the same time, SECAM Chair acknowledged the significant challenges confronting many African local Churches, including poverty, conflict, forced displacement, insecurity, limited resources and insufficient formation in synodality.

He also noted that some communities continue to struggle to move beyond a culture of consultation towards “a culture of shared discernment and co-responsibility.” Rather than becoming sources of discouragement, he said, these realities should inspire renewed hope and commitment.

According to Cardinal Ambongo, the two-day seminar will enable participants to pray together, listen to one another, engage conversation in the Spirit and reflect on experiences from across the continent. Participants will revisit pastoral priorities for Africa and prepare working document for journey towards Continental and Ecclesial Assemblies of 2027-2028.

Reflection and discernment on Africa’s experience

He described the seminar as the first step in a wider process involving local, national, regional and continental levels of discernment. These stages, he said, will enable the Church in Africa to make a meaningful and distinctive contribution to the discernment of the universal Church.

SECAM President urged participants to enter the process with generosity, humility and openness, warning against defending preconceived positions or personal agendas.

“Let us listen attentively, not only to one another but, above all, to the voice of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

He expressed hope that the process would strengthen communion among African Churches, deepen shared responsibility for evangelization and renew the commitment to becoming a more synodal and missionary Church.

Charles Ayetan