What a great play on words from The Pillar! They are observing much the same that John Allen did at Crux, namely that Africa's share in the global conversation is not proportional to the machinating sway of the German Church, whose values contradict our teaching but whose outsize influence continues to reign, even in our Argentinian (but really German) pope. Synodality would demand that they recede as much as they've allowed their people to recede.
Africa’s text is not only shorter than those of other continents; it also has a different tone. For example, all continental assemblies were asked to reflect on the continental stage’s working document, entitled “Enlarge the space of your tent,” in reference to Isaiah 54:2.
Africa’s final document took issue with the tent metaphor, saying: “The image of the tent … was heavily contested by many, who associate the image with warfare, displacement, and refugee situations. The assembly preferred the image of the Family of God where everyone has his or her place and responsibilities according to ‘family values’ (though there is no homogeneity on what the latter includes in all countries).”
Its list of marginalized groups differs from those of other final documents. Named first among the marginalized are “people in polygamous marriages,” followed by the divorced and remarried, and single parents. Africa’s final document also appears to be the only one that doesn’t use the term LGBT or a related acronym.
African ‘voices and values’ Africa’s final document ends by stressing eight points:
The need to deepen “Catholic synodality according to the values of the Church as Family of God.”
The importance of considering “African voices and values … when elaborating the doctrines and teachings of the Church.”
The Church’s determination to fight for good governance and conflict resolution, and “against economic colonialism and illegal exploitation of resources in Africa.”
The promotion of inculturation and liturgical renewal.
The need for clergy, consecrated persons, and the laity to be formed “in the practice of synodal leadership.”
Greater inclusion for “women, the youth and persons living with disability.”
Support for marriage and the family, “especially situations of polygamy, divorced and remarried people, single parenthood and child protection.”
Ecological justice and stewardship.
While these priorities overlap to a certain extent with those of other continents, there are distinctive elements. The emphasis on “African voices and values” is especially striking, given that European voices — especially those from Germany — have so far dominated the synodal news cycle.
The Nile flows into the Tiber? It will be interesting to see how many of Africa’s priorities are taken up in the working document of October’s synod on synodality in Rome, and whether any African Church leaders feature prominently during the month-long gathering of the world’s bishops.
That should indicate whether “African voices and values” are gaining traction on the global Catholic stage or remain largely confined to the continent.
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