“A kairos for Africa”: Cardinal Ambongo says Synod on Synodality a Moment to Reimagine Continent’s Uniqueness

“The Synod on Synodality has been welcomed here in Africa, in Congo, as a kairos, to see how together we can imagine a new way of being a Church in our socio-cultural environment,” Cardinal Ambongo said. He added, “This Synod has been convened to develop a new way of being Church, not to solve particular problems that arose in the Church.”

“The Synod has not deviated from this objective, and I can say, to the extent that we are today, I believe that the notion of synodality, this new way of being Church, will be an achievement for us,” the Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) said. He acknowledged the challenges the African Church faces in adapting to local circumstances but emphasized that synodality provides a framework for collective decision-making and collaboration, empowering African Catholics to take ownership of their Church’s future. “For me, the Synod is the moment to define the basis. After this, we will go back home to Congo and Africa, and ask my brothers and sisters how to enter into this new dynamic,” he said.

Addressing questions on the possibility of opening the Diaconate to women, Cardinal Ambongo acknowledged that the diaconate is not a new concept in the Church, and historically, it was seen as a service role distinct from the Priesthood. “The Diaconate existed at the beginning of the Church, and it had nothing to do with the Priesthood. It was a service to the community, and at that time, it was also open to women,” he explained. 

He however acknowledged that over time, the Diaconate evolved into a step toward Priesthood, and this shift presents complex theological questions. “We trust the commission the Pope has established to study these questions in depth. Since the Pope himself raises these issues for the whole Church, we will follow the direction the Holy Father shows us,” the Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) said. He continued, “We do not have any particular difficulties in this regard, but our wish is that the diaconate as a service and its connection to the priesthood be studied thoroughly.”

Cardinal Ambongo reiterated his satisfaction with the Synod’s progress and stressed the importance of carrying forward the spirit of synodality once the assembly concludes. “The Synod has set the foundation for how we should move forward as a Church. When we return home, we must apply synodality to every challenge that arises in the Church,” the Catholic Church leader said. He expressed his hope that synodality will become a cornerstone of Church life in Africa, helping the Church navigate its unique challenges while remaining faithful to its mission. “The African Church is ready for this new way of being Church. We are on fertile ground for synodality, and we will continue to walk together in this journey,” Cardinal Ambongo said.

Jude Atemanke – ACI Africa