The Church's Radical Reform – 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, I put these questions 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. I 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, Jamie Weston