The African Synod

Seeking Reconciliation And Peace For The Continent

By: Carlos Rodriguez

WHEN Benedict XVI made his maiden visit to Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Angola, last March, the international press presented the whole event giving the impression that the Pope spoke only of condoms – all the time blowing out of proportion a controversy. Few noticed one of the highlights of his journey: the delivery of the working document that will guide the bishops’ discussions during the forthcoming African Synod, that will take place in Rome from October 4 to 25, 2009.

Known as Instrumentum Laboris, it is the result of three years’ work in the local churches
throughout the continent. The work started when, in 2006, the Lineamenta (document of guidance
for group discussions) were released.

The 149 points of the Instrumentum Laboris for the African Synod are about “The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. Whether or not one is interested in Church topics, the analysis it makes of African issues is one of the sharpest one can find today.