“On the Road Towards Christian Unity”

Okpaleke, Ikenna Paschal [UCL]

Ecumenical conversation, in so many ways, reflects a synodal disposition insofar as it involves mutual dialogue, common discernment, collaboration and fellowship among churches in their journey towards unity. However, while synodality refers to a form of intra-ecclesial relationship, ecumenism is essentially an inter-ecclesial engagement. It follows thus that to live out synodality could constitute an asset in living out ecumenism, and vice versa. No conversation on synodality could, therefore, be considered complete if it does not address the ecumenical implications of what it means to be a Synodal Church. From an African perspective, this chapter reflects on this subject matter with attention to the Chapter 7 of the Synthesis Report titled, “On the road towards Christian unity”.