Ethiopia: Synod on Synodality continental assembly now underway

The continental stage of the Synod on Synodality for the Church in Africa is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 1 March 1 to 6 March.

Sheila Pires, Vatican News English Africa Collaborator - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Sharing the African experience

In his welcoming remarks the Secretary General of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar Fr Rafael Simbine Junior called on participants to share the African experience of the Synod on Synodality. Fr Simbine Junior also encouraged participants to refer to the Synod Document for the Continental Stage to help them “identify the strong insights, questions, and tensions from their understanding that could be addressed to grow as a synodal missionary Church.

SECAM First vice president Bishop Lucio Muandula in Addis.

Enlarge the space of your tent

Following Fr Simbine Junior welcoming remarks, the SECAM First vice president Bishop Lucio Muandula in his opening prayer reflected on the theme of the continental stage of the synod “enlarging the space of our tents.” The Mozambican Prelate reminded the participants that the Synod on Synodality is a call for the Church to open the mind and heart to the holy spirit.

Listen to Sheila Pires' report here.

Sheila Pires in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.