The Nairobi gathering of theologians and pastoral leaders urged the Catholic Church to embrace synodality and elevate the voices of African women in shaping its future…reports Asian Lite News
A major international theological gathering in Nairobi has called for greater inclusion of women in shaping the future of the Catholic Church, with participants urging a shift from rhetoric to action on synodality, leadership, and pastoral practice.
The conference, entitled “Synodality in Action: Emerging Ecclesiologies, Vitality of Women and Discerning Leadership for the 21st Century”, took place from 3 to 6 September at Hekima University College. It brought together established and emerging theologians, academics, clergy, and pastoral leaders from Africa, Europe, and the United States. Over four days, delegates exchanged insights on the Church’s synodal journey and the vital contributions of women in theology and ministry.
While progress has been made in recent decades, theological scholarship within the Catholic Church remains predominantly male. This is particularly visible in seminaries, where the vast majority of students prepare for priesthood and ordination.
Sister Jacinta Auma Opondo, a Franciscan Sister of St Anne (FSSA) and Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs at Hekima, chaired the conference. She said the initiative stemmed from Hekima’s mission to amplify African women’s voices in theology.
“Theological formation cannot be complete without the contribution of women,” she told reporters. “Forty years after Hekima opened its doors to women, their voices are still underrepresented. This conference seeks to change that by providing a platform for African women theologians to be heard globally.”
The meeting built on last year’s inaugural African Women Theologians Conference, which celebrated Hekima’s contribution to women’s theological empowerment. This year’s focus was synodality – the Church’s call to walk together in communion and shared mission – with a view to strengthening women’s leadership in theological discourse and pastoral life.
Synodality has been described by Pope Francis as central to his vision of an inclusive Church. Delegates in Nairobi explored how women could participate more fully in this model of shared discernment and leadership.
Sister Jacinta argued that genuine participation requires access to education, networks, and leadership roles. A key outcome of the gathering was the proposal to create a network of African women theologians who could mentor younger scholars, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to theological education and parish life through research, writing, and pastoral initiatives.
Participants emphasised that women’s perspectives often bring particular strengths in the areas of healing, inclusivity, and rationality. Sister Gisela Rfanyu, a Holy Union Sister and psycho-spiritual counsellor, said her work showed the importance of listening for building a synodal Church. “Theology is not just abstract,” she explained. “It is about encountering God in the realities of life – ‘faith seeking understanding’. Integrating pastoral care and spiritual therapy into the Church’s mission is essential in a wounded world.” She argued that African women theologians not only enrich theological reflection but also challenge patriarchal structures and advocate for justice within the Church and society.
Several strategies emerged for integrating women’s insights into theological education and Church structures. These included collaborative formation between men and women, applying provisions of Canon Law on shared ministries, establishing listening circles, and encouraging theological reflections that respond directly to African contexts.
Delegates acknowledged obstacles, including resistance to change and limited resources. However, organisers expressed confidence that dialogue, networking, and international partnerships could help overcome such challenges.
A recurring theme was the work of *Watawa Wa Taa* – an initiative founded by Sister Mumbi Kigutha of the Precious Blood Sisters in Ohio to highlight the contributions of African women religious. Acting as an incubator for new ideas, Watawa Wa Taa documents the experiences of sisters engaged in ministries of justice, peace, education, and pastoral care, often in difficult conditions.
“Much of women’s work in the Church is invisible and under-documented,” Sister Jacinta said. “Watawa Wa Taa ensures their stories are told, inspiring others and enriching the synodal journey.”
For Sister Gisela, the project has been transformative. “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” she said. “Watawa Wa Taa has supported my theological studies and encouraged me to see that women have the potential to serve the Church in meaningful ways. Listening to senior theologians here has deepened my resolve, and I now dream of pursuing a PhD in Justice and Peace Studies to bring healing to my war-torn country.”
As the conference concluded, participants reflected on synodality as more than a concept: it must be a way of life. The call was for a Church that walks together, listens to wounds, and embodies a community of healing and mission.
“My hope is that this conference will catalyse the integration of women into decision-making structures,” Sister Jacinta said in her closing remarks. “Empowered women theologians mean a stronger Church, one that is inclusive, just, and responsive to the realities of our continent.”
For Sister Gisela, the spirit of the gathering was one of optimism. “This meeting fills me with hope,” she said. “It shows the Church is willing to grow in humility and inclusivity. The future can be brighter when we walk together.”
The Nairobi conference illustrated that for African women theologians, synodality is not just a matter of theory but of practice. Through dialogue, mutual learning, and collaboration, participants affirmed their commitment to shaping a Church that is more participatory, compassionate, and faithful to the Gospel’s mission – across Africa and beyond.
