Synodality as the Kernel of Pope Francis’ Ecclesiology

Implications for Missionary Dynamism for the Church in Africa

Authors

  • Ugochukwu Stophynus Anyanwu Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri-Nigeria

Keywords:

Collegiality, Communion Ecclesiology, Ecclesiology, Missionary Dynamism, Participatory Church, Synodality, Trinitarian Ecclesiology

Abstract

Synodality has gained renewed currency during the Pontificate of Pope Francis. In keeping with the programme of aggiornamento of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis has continued an insightful exploration of the Trinitarian and communio ecclesiology that are at the heart of a synodal Church. Synodality is the specific modus vivendi et operandi of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission. In this essay, I will attempt to show that Synodality is at the heart of Pope Francis’ Ecclesiology. This essay will also be an effort in contextual theology, especially in proposing for the Church in Africa some ecclesiological models that can help her re-launch her missionary dynamism in the third millennium.

Author Biography

Ugochukwu Stophynus Anyanwu, Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri-Nigeria

Ugochukwu Stophynus Anyanwu is a clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Theology from Pontifical Urban University Rome and Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Imo State University Owerri. He is an alumnus of Seat of Wisdom Seminary Owerri and Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu. He obtained his Master’s Degree from the National Open University of Nigeria. He also was awarded the best essayist in an Essay competition organized for the Major seminaries worldwide by John Templeton, University, Cleveland Ohio, USA in 2016. His essay “Scientific Paradigms in Dialogue with Theological Methodology in an Age of Science” received international acclamation. Currently, he lectures at Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary Owerri and St Mulumba Spiritual Year Seminary Enyiogugu.

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Published

2020-03-31

How to Cite

Anyanwu, U. S. (2020). Synodality as the Kernel of Pope Francis’ Ecclesiology: Implications for Missionary Dynamism for the Church in Africa. Asian Horizons, 14(1), 167–180. Retrieved from https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/ah/article/view/2872

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2020): ASIAN HORIZONS

Section

Articles