This compendium of original essays by leading Catholic African scholars explores the meaning of synodality for the African church, with reference to the established method of African theology: "palaver," or talking--and listening--together. Opening with messages by Pope Francis and Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, the contributions offer explications of vital themes such as "Proclaiming the Word of God to Young People," migration, theology of the people, "Ubuntu," a postcolonial critique of clericalism, the social dimension of synodality, the way of the laity, contested moral issues, the role of basic ecclesial communities, and the missionary role of communications.

Contributors John Okoye, Bishop of Awgu Diocese, NigeriaPaulin Sébastien Poucouta, Director, Spiritus, Paris, FranceEmilce Cuda, Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Vatican CityStan Chu Ilo, DePaul University, USAJosée Ngalula, Catholic University of CongoNicholaus Segeja, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), KenyaRaymond Olusesan Aina, National Missionary Seminary of St Paul, NigeriaIgnace Ndongala Maduku, Institute of Religious Studies, University of Montreal, CanadaFrancis Appiah-Kubi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana Lucio Adrian Ruiz. .