At the recent Synod on Synodality, African bishops were instrumental in blocking moves to grant greater doctrinal autonomy to national episcopal conferences.
Archbishop Andrew Nkea (pictured) of Bamenda, Cameroon, confirmed the African delegation’s satisfaction with the synod’s final report, which Pope Francis adopted.
African bishops sought to prevent any shift in doctrinal authority to local episcopal conferences, citing concerns over Church unity.
“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” the archbishop explained.
African bishops and others emphasised that local conferences may handle pastoral matters but should not dictate doctrine. This stance reflects longstanding concerns among African Catholics regarding doctrinal consistency, especially considering past Western moves towards blessing same-sex unions.
“We agree that episcopal conferences should have a certain degree of leverage with regard to pastoral collaboration, local decisions and acculturation” Nkea said, “but in matters of faith and morals, the conferences cannot decide.”
Women deacons
Archbishop Nkea underscored Pope Francis’ clear opposition regarding women deacons but acknowledged that the subject remains open for discussion. He explained that while the synod may continue to discuss it, the Pope has not signalled any change.
“The Holy Father has said very clearly that, as for him, ‘this subject is closed’” Nkea noted.
Archbishop Nkea also expressed strong reservations regarding the Vatican’s Fiducia Supplicans declaration, which endorsed same-sex blessings last year.
He described the declaration as a “not pleasant” experience for the African Church as it sparked intense backlash on the continent.
Nkea insisted that any significant decisions impacting the global Church should involve consultation with African leaders to avoid future surprises. He noted that African bishops pushed for guarantees in the synod’s final recommendations to prevent similar situations arising again.
Archbishop Nkea then raised the growing vocation crisis in the West, linking it to declining interest in traditional Church teaching. He advocated for African-style small Christian communities as a potential model for the West, arguing that such communities foster faith and resist individualism.
“If the West listens to what Africa is saying, it could help” he added.
Sources