TANZANIA: Bishops Remain Chief Shepherd in a Synodal Church, TEC Secretary General Clarifies

Fr. Faustine Furaha, the secretary general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, clarified that synodality does not establish equality of roles within the Church. Speaking at a meeting for diocesan coordinators in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam, Fr. Furaha stated that while the Synod seeks to strengthen communion, participation, and mission, each baptized person must remain in their proper role. He emphasized that the bishop continues to serve as the chief shepherd of his diocese, assisted by priests, while the faithful participate according to their specific vocations and responsibilities.

The meeting brought together coordinators from various Catholic dioceses in Tanzania to share experiences regarding the implementation of the Synod process at the local level. Participants reflected on the journey so far and discussed how to apply the final document of the Synod on Synodality as part of the third stage of the process. Fr. Furaha, who also directs the communications office for the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, noted that the Synod is an ongoing process initiated by Pope Francis in 2021.