Bishop Faddoul: Maronite Church’s role in Synod on synodality

Welcome to the blog of Bishop Simon Faddoul, the Maronite Bishop for Central and West Africa, where we explore the intersection of synodality and African culture within the Church.

By Nour El Khoury – Beirut

In a recent interview with Vatican News, Bishop Faddoul shared his insights on the Synod for Synodality and its significance for the future direction of the universal Church, particularly in the context of the Maronite Church’s presence in Africa.

The Rich Maronite Heritage in Africa

The Eparchy of the Annunciation, led by Bishop Faddoul, was established to serve the Maronite community across 24 countries in West and Central Africa. With roots dating back to 1875, the Maronite Church has a deep historical connection to Africa, a heritage that Bishop Faddoul is proud to continue and nurture.

Bishop Faddoul’s episcopal seat in Nigeria serves as a testament to the enduring ties between the Maronite Church and Africa, spanning over 150 years. He emphasized the importance of this long-standing relationship in shaping the growth and development of the Church on the continent.

Synodality and African Culture

Bishop Faddoul highlighted how the concept of synodality aligns with African culture, noting that the African Church has a tradition of synodal governance through Episcopal conferences. In the Maronite tradition, synodality has ancient roots that continue to shape the Church’s decision-making processes.

He emphasized the collaborative nature of the synodal process within the Maronite Church, where decisions are made through dialogue and input from the faithful. This approach, he believes, reflects the synodal heritage of the early Church and addresses the unique needs of the Maronite community today.

The Maronite Voice at the Synod

Bishop Faddoul emphasized the vital role of the Maronite Church in Africa in contributing to the synodal work of the universal Church. He highlighted the participation of his Eparchy in the Synod on Synodality, where their unique perspectives and experiences were shared with the broader Church community.

He stressed the importance of working closely with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and the Maronite Synod in Lebanon to ensure that the voices of the Maronite faithful in Africa are heard and represented in the synodal process.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Africa

Bishop Faddoul acknowledged the challenge of balancing the ancient traditions of the Maronite Church with the realities of African society. He emphasized the need for harmony in navigating this delicate balance and adapting to the unique cultural context of Africa.

A Message of Hope for the Future

In closing, Bishop Faddoul encouraged the Maronite faithful in Africa to embrace the Synod as an opportunity to shape the future of the Church. He emphasized the importance of active participation from all Christians in nurturing the life of the Church and discerning God’s will for the community.

With hope and confidence, Bishop Faddoul believes that the Synod will usher in a new reality for the Church in Africa and beyond, setting the stage for a vibrant and inclusive future.

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