By Fr. Johnston Z. Mlambo
When the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) gathered for its Ordinary Plenary Meeting from 8 to 10 June 2026, the bishops did something that may have surprised many people. Rather than beginning immediately with discussions on Zimbabwe’s political, economic, or religious situation, they first spent time reflecting on the very theme of the Plenary itself.
The theme was:
“Implementing the Synod on Synodality: Transforming Synodal Principles into Concrete Pastoral Action.”
At first glance, the theme may sound complex or even academic. Yet its message is remarkably simple. The bishops were asking one important question:
How do we move from talking about Synodality to actually living it?
What is the Synod on Synodality?
Many Catholics have heard about the Synod on Synodality but may still wonder what it is.
A synod is a gathering of the Church to pray, listen, reflect, and discern together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Synod on Synodality, convoked by Pope Francis and concluded under Pope Leo XIV, invited the whole Church to rediscover an ancient truth: that every baptised person has a role to play in the life and mission of the Church.
The Synod reminds us that the Church is not only bishops, priests, or religious. It is the entire People of God journeying together towards Christ.
The word synod itself comes from two Greek words meaning “walking together.”
But walking together does not simply mean travelling in the same direction. It means praying together, listening to one another, discerning God’s will together, and taking shared responsibility for the Church’s mission.
Zimbabwe’s challenge
The bishops recognised that the universal Synod cannot simply be copied and pasted into Zimbabwe.
Every country has its own opportunities and challenges.
That is why, after reflecting on the theme, the Plenary examined Zimbabwe’s own context. Presentations were made on the country’s political, socio-economic, and religious situation before any recommendations were formulated. The bishops reflected on issues such as political polarisation, corruption, unemployment, migration, drug and substance abuse, and the growing phenomenon of religious syncretism or what they described as “blended Christianity.”
In other words, the bishops first asked:
“What is happening in Zimbabwe?”
Only then did they ask:
“How should a synodal Church respond to these realities?”
That is why the communiqué states that the Church seeks to translate the principles of the Synod into “concrete pastoral practices and structures that foster a more inclusive, participatory, and mission-oriented Church.”
From ideas to action
One of the strongest messages that emerged from the Plenary is that Synodality is not another programme or project.
It is a way of being Church.
During the opening recollection, Fr Conrad Mutizamhepo described Synodality as “a new style of being Church.” He identified some of the obstacles that can prevent this new way of living the faith, including fear, resistance to change, ignorance, fatigue, and even excitement that fails to mature into lasting commitment.
He also highlighted the principles that should characterise a synodal Church:
- renewal and reform;
- conversion and repentance;
- shared baptismal identity and co-responsibility;
- mutual listening, dialogue, and discernment;
- synodal spirituality;
- transparency and accountability;
- inclusion of those on the margins; and
- missionary discipleship.
These are not abstract ideas. They describe how Christians should relate to God and to one another.
What does “transforming synodal principles into concrete pastoral action” mean?
Perhaps this was the most important question before the bishops. It is one thing to speak about listening, participation, accountability, and mission. It is another to make them part of parish life. The bishops therefore asked practical questions.
How should parish councils make decisions?
How should priests work with the laity?
How should young people, women, and persons with disabilities participate more fully in the life of the Church?
How can Church institutions become more transparent and accountable?
How do we form Catholics whose faith remains firmly rooted in Jesus Christ amid the challenges of modern society?
These are not merely administrative questions. They concern the very mission of the Church.
Beginning with prayer
Before discussing structures or programmes, the Plenary began with prayer and spiritual reflection.
This was deliberate.
Synodality is first and foremost a spiritual journey before it becomes an organisational one.
For this reason, one of the recurring themes throughout the Plenary was the Conversation in the Spirit.
Unlike an ordinary meeting or debate, the Conversation in the Spirit invites participants first to listen—to God’s Word, to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and to one another. Instead of trying to win arguments, participants seek together to discover God’s will for the Church.
The bishops themselves adopted this method throughout the Plenary, thereby putting into practice the very principles they were discussing.
Why this matters to every Catholic
Some Catholics may wonder whether Synodality concerns only bishops or Church leaders. The answer is no. The Synod begins with Baptism.
Every baptised person has gifts to offer and responsibilities to fulfil.
Every Catholic is called to listen. Every Catholic is called to participate.
Every Catholic is called to share in the Church’s mission.
That is why the bishops repeatedly emphasised that Synodality is not an event but a way of living as the People of God. It is not about changing the Church’s doctrine, but about renewing the way the Church listens, discerns, collaborates, and carries out her mission.
The journey has only begun
The communiqué issued at the end of the Plenary is therefore not the conclusion of the process but its beginning.
Over the coming months, the Church in Zimbabwe will continue discerning how the recommendations of the Synod can be implemented in dioceses, parishes, schools, seminaries, institutions, Small Christian Communities, and families.
This first article lays the foundation. In the articles that follow, we shall unpack the various recommendations contained in the communiqué and explore what they mean for the ordinary Catholic.
For Synodality is not simply about attending meetings. It is about becoming the kind of Church that walks together, listens together, prays together, and, above all, carries out Christ’s mission together.