Inclusion and Reconciliation: Voices from Africa

Much of the media focus on the synod has been on western churches with the underlining question centred on how the process can reverse declining congregations and respond to the abuse crisis. But what does it all mean for Africa, a part of the Catholic world where churches are overflowing and vocations booming? Is the synod having any impact? In this episode, these questions are put to two leading Catholic figures: Fr Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, the President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar, and Dominique Yon, a youth ministry co-ordinator in the Cape Town archdiocese and a Vatican adviser. Both of them make a strong case for why a synodal Church is needed in Africa, how it can help implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and include marginalised voices such as those from the LGBTQ community. We also hear about how synodality gives the tools for the Church to become a peacemaker in a continent often scarred by civil war and conflict. Prepare to be surprised by their answers. Producers: Silvia Sacco and Jamie Weston This is Episode 4 of the podcast entitled The Church's Radical Reform. The podcast explores the "synodal" process, by which the Pope is asking Catholics to help re-imagine the future of the Church, and grapple with questions such as the role of women, evangelisation, priesthood, serving the marginalised, and global governance. It has the potential to reshape the Church forever. The series is presented by Christopher Lamb. Christopher is the Vatican Correspondent for The Tablet and is a doctoral researcher in synodality at the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University. The series is sponsored by the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University in partnership with The Tablet.