Of Skeptics and Believers: Observing the Synod on Synodality from the Margins

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Of Skeptics and Believers

Observing the Synod on Synodality from the Margins

Authors

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke Université catholique de Louvain

Keywords:

Synod, Synodality, Pseudo-propheticism, Pope Francis, Indifference, Church

Abstract

From a theological perspective, this article explores the degree of anticipation, indifference, and critique regarding the Synod on Synodality, beginning from the concerns expressed at the national, continental, and universal syntheses, the essential elements of synodality in Pope Francis’ teachings, the expectations of young people as well as those who voice their concerns on the digital space. To an extent, it is a theological evaluation of the margins mostly expressed in the public space regarding the objectives that the Synod sets out to realize, which raises the question of the validity and practicality of the claim that synodality offers the Church an opportunity to reform itself. If the invitation to synodality is to be valid, how can it overcome the problems of ideological divides and pseudo-propheticism? Overall, this article explores how the Synod on Synodality presents a chance and an opportunity for the Church in its struggle to remain faithful to the Catholic faith.

Author Biography

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke, Université catholique de Louvain

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke, SThD, PhD, is a Catholic priest from Nigeria, and the author ofEcumenical and Interreligious Identities in Nigeria: Transformation through Dialogue (Lanham: Lexington Press, 2022). Dr. Okpaleke lectures in Catholic ecclesiology and ecumenism at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (THER) at the Université catholique de Louvain. He is also a member of the Research Institute of Religions, Spiritualities, Cultures, Societies (RSCS).

Of Skeptics and Believers: Observing the Synod on Synodality from the Margins