The assessment and perspectives of the special assembly for Africa of the synod of bishops.

Abstract

On the opening day of the fourth session of the Second Vatican Council, September 14, 1965, Pope Paul VI announced to the council fathers that a synod of bishops would be established in the near future. On the following day, September 15, in the presence of Pope Paul VI, Cardinal P. Marella, presented to the fathers the motu proprio, Apostolica sollicitudo, establishing the synod of bishops on a permanent basis. According to the motu proprio, among the important reasons for the establishment of the synod of bishops was the pope's ministry as universal pastor. Thus, the synod of bishops would serve the pope by consolidating the unity and mutual help between himself and the bishops, and ensure that direct and accurate information is provided to the pope on vital issues. These ideas were later codified into law, which states that, in exercising his office, the Roman Pontiff is assisted in various ways, among these being the synod of bishops (c. 334). Since its creation, many assemblies of the synod of bishops have been realized, one of which was convoked especially for Africa, on February 6, 1989. In 1994 this assembly was concluded in Rome. Among the issues discussed during the Synod, some have canonical implications. For instance, the existence of small Christian communities alongside parishes; the formation of the principal agents of evangelization in Africa which involves local churches especially the episcopal conferences and the small Christian communities; the ecclesial identity and ministry of the catechist; marriage; and inculturation of liturgy. From the inquiry of the raison d'etre of the synod of bishops according to the Second Vatican Council and the 1983 Code of Canon Law, we have explored the extent to which the current legislation of the Church can be of assistance in the implementation of the above issues. Since Africa is a big continent with a wide range of peoples with different cultural, ethnic, and political backgrounds, we deliberately limited our discussions to general canonical elements that we consider important in the implementation of any one of the synodal conclusions. As a consultative organ available to the Roman Pontiff in the exercise of his Petrine office, the African Synod was a success. Also, the African Synod enabled the heads of the particular churches in Africa to work together for the first time, in that manner. However, like any human institutions, the synod of bishops, per se, can be improved. For this reason, we have made some suggestions to this effect.