The African Synodality Initiative workshop on synodality curriculum development has taken place at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. On the second day of the workshop, participants reviewed a proposed syllabus aimed at equipping future priests with the theological understanding, spirituality, and practical skills needed to promote synodality in the Church. The workshop, which began on October 27, 2026, is scheduled to conclude on October 30, 2026.
Jesuit Father Marcel Uwineza introduced the draft syllabus, inviting participants to examine its proposed content and consider how synodality could be incorporated into seminary formation. The proposed curriculum would introduce students to the biblical, historical, theological, ecclesiological, and spiritual foundations of synodality. It would draw on Sacred Scripture, the Church's living tradition, the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, and the outcomes of the Synod on Synodality, which took place between 2021 and 2024.
The proposed syllabus places particular emphasis on the spirituality and practice of synodality, including listening, authentic dialogue, communal discernment, conversation in the Spirit, and shared responsibility in the life of the Church. Father Uwineza explained that synodality should be understood not simply as a program or methodology but as a constitutive dimension of the Church's life, rooted in communion, participation, and mission. The course seeks to form future ministers and pastoral leaders who not only understand synodality as a theological principle but also embody it as a spirituality.
The proposed curriculum seeks to bridge theological reflection and practical pastoral formation, preparing seminarians to facilitate synodal processes in families, seminaries, parishes, and religious communities. Its objectives include enabling students to critically engage with the theological foundations of synodality, develop a spirituality of synodal discernment, promote inclusive participation and co-responsibility, and contextualize synodality within their respective countries and episcopal conferences.
The proposed syllabus is structured as a 14-week course, although Father Uwineza noted that seminaries could adapt it to their academic calendars and existing formation programs. Assessment would be determined by individual seminaries and could include written reflections, class participation, case studies, and a final examination. The weekly topics move from an introduction to synodality and its biblical, historical, and theological foundations to the spirituality and practice of synodality in the African context.
Following the presentation, rectors shared recommendations on the draft syllabus, considering how best to integrate synodality into the formation of future priests. Among the suggestions was that synodality could be incorporated into ongoing formation rather than introduced exclusively as a semester-long academic course. The discussion highlighted the need to consider how the curriculum could be adapted to the different structures, academic calendars, and formation requirements of seminaries across the region.
The curriculum development process forms part of the implementation phase of the African Synodality Initiative, which seeks to encourage the reception and practice of synodality within the African Church. By engaging rectors and those responsible for priestly formation, the initiative aims to create opportunities for synodal principles to become embedded in the preparation of future priests. The emphasis on seminaries reflects the importance of formation in shaping pastoral leaders who can foster listening, participation, discernment, and shared responsibility in their communities.
Key points
- The African Synodality Initiative reviews draft curriculum to equip future priests with synodality understanding.
- Proposed syllabus emphasizes spirituality and practice of synodality.
- Curriculum adaptable to different seminary structures and academic calendars.
