Nairobi: The successful implementation of synodality in the Catholic Church across Eastern Africa depends largely on the leadership of bishops, according to Bishop Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa of the Diocese of Kondoa in Tanzania.
The bishop made the remarks during the launch of a new synodality formation manual and a collection of synodality-themed songs organized by the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA). His keynote message, delivered on his behalf by Bishop Edwin Mwansa Mulandu of the Diocese of Mpika in Zambia, emphasized that bishops hold the primary responsibility for ensuring that the principles of synodality are effectively put into practice in their dioceses.
In his address, Bishop Mfumbusa stressed that the future of synodality within the region’s Catholic Church rests significantly on the commitment and leadership of bishops.
“Your Excellencies, you hold the keys to implementation within your dioceses,” Bishop Mulandu read from the prepared message. “A manual left sitting on a shelf will not create a synodal Church.”
He urged bishops and Church leaders to ensure that the newly launched formation manual is widely distributed across deaneries and parishes. The document, he said, should also be integrated into ongoing formation programs for priests, religious communities, catechists, and diocesan synodal assemblies.
The manual is the result of a broad consultation process initiated by the AMECEA Secretariat in May 2025. The initiative brought together representatives from all eight episcopal conferences within the AMECEA region.
The drafting process included national pastoral coordinators, trained AMECEA facilitators, diocesan and parish clergy, religious women, and lay leaders. Religious sisters also contributed significantly through the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA).
Bishop Mulandu emphasized that the manual reflects the voice and experience of the wider Church community rather than a small group of authors.
“This is not a document written about the People of God,” he said. “It is a document written by the People of God.”
Bishop Mfumbusa, who also serves as president of the Pan-African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS), explained that the preparation of the manual itself was an example of the Church practicing synodality in action.
The keynote address highlighted the urgent need for formation, referring to the final document of the Synod on Synodality, which concluded in October 2024. According to the bishop, the Synod should not be seen as the end of a process but rather the beginning of a mission that requires sustained formation and participation throughout the Church.
“A mission without formation is like a letter without someone to deliver it,” the address noted, echoing the teaching of Pope Francis, who often described synodality as an ongoing journey of spiritual conversion requiring patience, perseverance, and prayer.
The bishop also stressed that the path toward a synodal Church must involve all members of the faithful. Priests, catechists, lay men and women, youth, and even children should be encouraged to understand and live out their baptismal calling.
He noted that genuine synodal transformation will not occur instantly but will grow gradually through continuous formation and consistent practice within local communities.
The launch of the formation manual also echoed the vision of Pope Leo XIV, who on June 29, 2025, blessed the global implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, encouraging the Church worldwide to continue the journey of renewal.
In an Apostolic Letter issued on December 8, 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of the conciliar decrees Optatam Totius and Presbyterorum Ordinis, the Pope emphasized the importance of formation at every stage of priestly life. The keynote address described the Pope’s message as a clear mandate directed to bishops and priests across the Church.
The message also highlighted the crucial role of priests in promoting the synodal vision at the parish level. As the primary point of contact between the faithful and the Church’s pastoral mission, priests were encouraged to embrace the process rather than fear change.
“Priests are the first point of encounter between the faithful and the synodal vision,” the message stated. “Let this manual first become a tool for your own formation, and then for the communities entrusted to your care.”
The manual itself was developed with contributions from theologians, pastoral experts, and formation specialists from across the region, reflecting what Bishop Mfumbusa described as the “collective wisdom of the entire AMECEA family.”
With the resource now officially launched, the responsibility for implementing it rests with episcopal conferences and dioceses across Eastern Africa.
“AMECEA has fulfilled its role by providing this formation tool,” the address concluded. “Now it is up to the conferences and dioceses to ensure that it becomes a living instrument for building a truly synodal Church.”