African Synodal Theology: Wins First Place at Catholic Media Association Book Awards
This groundbreaking volume, edited by Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, SJ and published by Orbis Books, brings together leading African Catholic theologians to articulate a theology of synodality rooted in African spiritual and cultural heritage.
The book addresses a critical gap: while synodality has become a central theme under Pope Francis, it remains “an ecclesiology in need of a theology.” As the African proverb in the title suggests, the Church's strength depends on its foundations and this work argues that African traditions offer vital resources for understanding and living synodality.
The book is a direct fruit of the African Synodality Initiative (ASI) , a partnership between the Jesuits Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), SECAM, and AMECEA. ASI was established to generate resources enabling African local churches to engage constructively in the synodal process. The volume emerged from ASI-sponsored theological reflection, particularly a two-stage convention bringing together African theologians, pastoral practitioners, and Synod delegates to analyze synodal outcomes from an authentically African perspective.
Fr. Orobator, SJ, a Nigerian-born Jesuit theologian, previously served as President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar and is now Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. His leadership of this project reflects his longstanding commitment to ecclesiology and amplifying African theological voices.
The volume explores parallels between synodality and African concepts such as ubuntu and palaver, emphasizing inclusivity, listening, and grassroots participation. Speakers at the book's launch stressed that synodality must move from theory to implementation and that Africa must contribute its own voice to the global Church rather than relying on imported frameworks. This award affirms African theological reflection as central not peripheral to shaping the Church's future.
JCAM and the wider Society of Jesus celebrate this recognition of Fr. Orobator's scholarship and service to the Church's mission.
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Africa Does Not Need to Import Synodality, It Embodies It
