‘Synodality requires continual conversion’: African Church prepares for Ecclesial Assembly

By Bezawit Assefa – Addis Ababa

From August 4-5, more than 50 delegates from across Africa gathered in Addis Ababa for a meeting entitled “The Synodal Church in Africa: Journeying Towards the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly”. 

Bishop Lucio Andrice Muandula, Bishop Responsible for the Continental Synodal Journey, presented a roadmap for the implementation of the Synod across the Church, outlining a four-stage process that will culminate in an Ecclesial Assembly in October 2028.

Addressing participants during the continental gathering, Bishop Lucio reflected on the Church’s path forward following the approval of the Synod’s Final Document in 2024. 

“Following the approval of the Final Document in 2024, our Church is on a new path,” he said, explaining that the implementation phase is not intended to create a new ecclesial calendar or introduce additional structures. Rather, he said, its purpose is to renew and transform the ordinary life of the Church through the practice of synodality.

Bishop Lucio explained that the assemblies scheduled between now and 2028 will serve as moments of discernment, reflection, and synthesis. These gatherings will help the Church evaluate the fruits of the synodal journey and listen attentively to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Describing synodal evaluation as a process of spiritual discernment, he invited participants to reflect on fundamental questions: where the presence of the Holy Spirit is being manifested, what fruits have emerged from the process so far, and where the Risen Lord is calling the Church today. He also encouraged delegates to assess the concrete steps already taken and identify new opportunities opening before the Church.

Highlighting the need for ongoing renewal, Bishop Lucio stressed that “synodality requires continual conversion” and outlined the four stages that will guide the implementation process.

The first stage will focus on Diocesan Assemblies, which are expected to be convened in every diocese by the first half of 2027. During this phase, local Churches will evaluate their synodal experience and prepare narrative reports documenting their journey, challenges, achievements, and lessons learned.

The second stage will involve National and Episcopal Conference Discernment. Bishops’ Conferences, working alongside theologians and other experts, will review diocesan reports, identify emerging pastoral priorities, and assess key challenges and opportunities highlighted at the local level.

The third stage will consist of Continental Assemblies, bringing together Episcopal Conferences and regional representatives. These assemblies will examine findings from across the continent, identify common pastoral priorities, and develop shared orientations for the Church. The continental phase will also foster dialogue with other regions of the world and collaboration with the Holy See.

The process will reach its fourth stage with the Ecclesial Assembly of October 2028, which will include the active participation of the People of God. The fruits gathered through four years of listening, discernment, and implementation will be presented to the Holy Father as part of the Church’s ongoing synodal journey.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Lucio emphasized that the 2028 Assembly should not be viewed merely as the end of a process or a celebratory event. Instead, he said, it will mark the beginning of a renewed chapter in the life and mission of the Church.

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“The conclusion in 2028 is not merely a celebration; it is the beginning of a renewed journey for the Church as we continue to grow in communion, participation, and mission,” Bishop Lucio said.