The delegates emphasise that their communities already practise synodality and want to share their unique perspectives.

Grace Wrakia, a representative of the Bishops' Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, expressed her gratitude for the invitation extended to these two small countries by the Church and Pope Francis.

Wrakia (pictured) stated "For many years, we have been listening and now we would like to speak. And we would like you to listen."

Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda, Cameroon, echoed this sentiment. He emphasised that the Synod on Synodality is a significant opportunity for Africa to have its voice heard.

Synodalilty a way of life

Both Oceania and African delegates highlighted that in their cultures synodality is already a way of life.

Ms Wrakia explained that in Melanesian spirituality, relationships are built around sharing common ideas, not ethnicity or appearance.

The Bishops' Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, with 23 dioceses and a population of 8 million, 25% of whom are Catholic, faces the challenge of diversity with over 1,000 tribes and more than 800 languages.

Wrakia underlined the importance of everyone having a say in decision-making, reflecting the communal nature of synodality in their region.

Archbishop Fuanya added that their culture encourages consultation and collective decision-making within families and communities.

Impact of colonialism

Wrakia acknowledged the evolution of evangelisation methods from the early years of Christian missions to what is now known as "new evangelisation".

Today there is a greater understanding and respect for local cultures, emphasising the importance of listening to Indigenous peoples.

During synod discussions there was a particular focus on interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

Sheila Leocádia Pires, a communications official, emphasised the importance of strengthening dialogue with Indigenous communities and addressing the impact of colonialism.

Sources

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

Colombo from SIGNIS, was facilitating a session on "Communication and Bishops" at a recent workshop for the Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Catholic Bishops' Conference.

"Communication technologies change people and society," he said.

"The Catholic Church does not operate in isolation but with communication technologies."

Colombo said media has the power to change individuals and organizations.

At the workshop

• An interactive session enabled the participants to develop new knowledge and skills to enhance their communication ability.
• Radio communication, interviewing skills and the ripple effect of a good radio broadcasts were emphasised.
• A three-minute radio interview on current issues gave the participants an opportunity to put the theoretical input into practice.
• Participants were challenged about the use of their social media.
  They were told not to be afraid to use social media for conversational evangelisation.
• With the help of information technology students from Don Bosco Technological Institute participants created a Facebook page on current social issues in Papua New Guinea.
• A forum with professionals from the media allowed the participants to see the need for liaising between the media and the Church.
• The forum also emphasised the need to make use of the opportunities available to address the fundamental issues confronting the youth and people.
• The bishops learned the various elements of putting together a powerful story… and then they were given the task of preparing a two-minute inspirational message in front of a camera using storytelling. The video of each of the interviews was presented to the entire group of bishops for comment and constructive criticism.
• Fr. Ambrose Pereira spoke about sharing and networking. "Our purpose of every production should be - to educate, to inform, to entertain and to inspire".

Source

• wantokniuspepa.com
• www.signis.net
• Image: signis.net

Conference General Secretary Fr Victor Roche is strongly against the opinion of the Speaker that the traditional carvings and decorations in Parliament are elements of cult and demonic practices and are unworthy of a Christian country.

"What's happening to the Parliament building is really ridiculous if true that behind the move are fundamentalist Christians who cannot distinguish between the novelty of the Gospel and what of the past needs to be preserved and treasured at least for collective and historical memory," said Fr Roche.

Source

• PostCourier
• Image: Aso.typad.com