Bishop Faddoul: Maronite Church’s contribution to Synod on synodality

By Nour El Khoury – Beirut

Bishop Simon Faddoul, of the Eparchy of the Annunciation, a Maronite diocese in Africa, highlighted the Synod for Synodality and the impact of the Maronite Church present in Africa on the future direction of the Church universal.

In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Faddoul gave his views on how the synodal process is perceived and implemented in the diverse cultural context of Africa.

The Maronite presence in Africa

The Eparchy of the Annunciation was created to guide the Maronite faithful in 24 countries in West and Central Africa. Although it was officially established as an eparchy on February 28, 2018 with Mgr Simon Faddoul as its first bishop, its mission began in 2014 when it was founded as an apostolic exarchate under his leadership. The Maronite presence in Africa, however, goes back much further, with roots dating back to 1875, more than a century and a half of Maronite heritage on the continent.

The episcopal seat of Mgr Faddoul is located in Nigeria and it recalls the centuries-old links of the Maronite Church with Africa. “We have been here for over 150 years and the Maronite presence is well-rooted in Africa,” he said, highlighting the deep historical ties that have impacted the growth of the Church on the continent.

The importance of the Synod for the universal Church

Bishop Faddoul noted how synodal concepts resonate with African culture, explaining that synodality is not a new concept for Africans. The African Church has long relied on episcopal conferences to fulfill synodal functions.

In the Maronite tradition, synodality dates back to the early Church, he explained. The Maronite Catholic Church continues this synodal tradition, operating through a synodal structure in which bishops discuss and deliberate on important decisions.

The Synod of Bishops is an essential governing body within the Maronite Church, as specified in the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and the particular law of the Maronite Church. According to these canons, the Maronite synod meets periodically to address doctrinal, pastoral, and administrative issues, embodying a collaborative approach that reflects both the synodal heritage of the early Church and the unique needs of the Maronite community today. today.

“The beauty of the synodal process is that decisions do not come only from the hierarchy but through dialogue, collaboration and the contribution of the faithful,” said Archbishop Faddoul. “From the beginning, we have participated in the Synod for the synodality of our Eparchy in its different phases: diocesan and continental, involving all the faithful, the clergy and the congregation of our Eparchy. For us, Maronites, this is not a foreign idea.”

The Maronite voice at the Synod

Bishop Faddoul highlighted the importance of the Maronite Church in Africa and its contributions to synodal work.

“As members of the universal Church, we have the right to express our opinions and share our experiences. Thanks to our representatives from our eparchy at the Synod on Synodality, our voices have been heard and we bring our unique perspective to the broader conversation,” he said.

The Maronite bishop noted that his eparchy worked closely with the Nigeria Catholic Bishops’ Conference during the initial phase of the Synod on Synodality, organizing meetings, seminars and conferences.

“At the same time, we participated in the synodal trip led by our Maronite Church to Lebanon, in collaboration with the committee established by the Maronite Synod,” he said. “We submitted our reports on the different phases of the process and participated in the synodal seminars and activities organized by our mother Church. In this way, the voice of the Maronite community was represented both from the African continent and from the East, from the two “lungs” of the Catholic Church.”

Bishop Faddoul noted that the Maronites of Africa speak with a unique voice, shaped by the realities of their lives in African society and within African cultures.

He said this diversity would enrich the synodal process, adding that contributions from diverse regions “present a fuller and richer understanding of the issues facing Christians around the world.”

Balancing Eastern traditions with African realities

As a Lebanese Maronite bishop, Archbishop Faddoul feels he is on his own “pilgrimage” of sorts, saying he faces the same challenge as everyone else in the high-speed world of African Christianity.

He asks how to find an authentic balance between the tradition that underpins the ancient heritage of the Maronite Church and the unique nature of Africa. This balance, he says, is done “in harmony”.

A message for the Maronite faithful in Africa

Finally, Bishop Faddoul urged the Maronite faithful on the African continent to be inspired by the Synod and how it can prepare them for the future of the Church.

“The Synod is not just a work of bishops or theologians,” he said. “It is a call to all Christians to invest in the life of the Church.”

Everyone, he added, must play a role in the health of the Church, with each Christian living our faith and discerning where God is leading the community.

The Maronite bishop called for hope and involvement of the faithful, while expressing confidence that the Synod would create a new reality for the Church in Africa and beyond.

“It’s still early in the journey,” he said. “But I think we are on the right path towards a more inclusive and happy Church and an ever more unified Church.”

As the Church seeks to root synodality in its daily life, Bishop Faddoul invited each Church to speak with its own voice, while placing particular emphasis on Africa, a region to which the universal Church must listen attentively.