Cardinal Turkson explores evolution of power in Church, society in Kenya college lecture

ACI Africa, Aug 23, 2024 / 05:30 am

The chancellor of the Roman Curia, Ghanaian-born Cardinal Peter Turkson, addressed the evolving nature of power in ecclesial and societal contexts in his Aug. 17 inaugural lecture for the opening of the new academic year at Nairobi, Kenya-based Hekima University College (HUC).

In his address, the cardinal referenced the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), the African Synod (1994), and the multiyear ongoing Synod on Synodality. 

“Power is not a monolithic force; it manifests in various forms and influences every aspect of our lives, from governance and civil society to the very structures that shape our daily existence. Governance structures hold significant sway over population trends, civil liberties, and lifestyle choices,” he said in his lecture titled “Re-imagining Power Dynamics in the Ecclesial and Socio-Political Loci: Lessons from Vatican II, Ecclesia in Africa, and Synod on Synodality.”

In various parts of the world, Turkson added, structures of governance “can either empower communities or reinforce existing inequalities, depending on how power is wielded.”

“The Second Vatican Council was a watershed moment in the history of the Church, a moment when the Church sought to renew itself by addressing issues related to power and authority,” he said.

Turkson explained that the exercise of power by the pope, as seen in the promulgation of council documents, is not “autocratic” but “synodal,” involving consultation and collaboration with the Catholic bishops and the wider Church community.

He noted that while the Holy Father has the “unique privilege to approve and promulgate conciliar documents,” this power is exercised “in various degrees with all the different people in communion.”

This collaborative approach, he went on to say, reflects the Church’s “commitment to synodality,” where decisions are made through a process of discernment involving the entire Church, not just the hierarchy.

“The Second Vatican Council was not just a response to doctrinal disputes,” he explained. “It was a proactive effort to renew and update the Church’s mission and practices.” 

The 73-year-old Ghanaian prelate, who served as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development from August 2016 until December 2021 when he resigned, said the Second Vatican Council emphasized the need to open the Church to the world, recalling Pope John XXIII’s expression: “throwing open the windows of the Church.”

Turkson reflected on the relationship between the Church and the state, a topic he said was deeply explored during Vatican II.

Vatican II, he said, marked a “significant shift in how the Church interacts with civil society, moving away from the earlier model where the Church relied on state power to protect its interests. Instead, the council emphasized the importance of religious freedom and the dignity of the human person, principles that continue to shape the Church’s social teachings today.”

Turkson acknowledged with appreciation the progress made since Vatican II and said that much work remains to be done especially in the era of digitality. 

“The digital age has ushered in unprecedented advancements, but it has also deepened the chasm between the haves and have-nots. Cyber power is now a key determinant of economic and social status, and those without access to technology are being left behind in every aspect of life,” he said.

This divide, Turkson warned in his talk, could lead to “marginalization if not addressed through inclusive policies and equitable distribution of technological resources.”

“Today, we must draw on that same spirit of renewal of Vatican II as we confront the challenges of our time,” he said. “The council’s emphasis on collegiality, dialogue, and the inclusion of the laity in decision-making processes is a model for how the Church can move forward.”

The cardinal went on to highlight how the First Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops in 1994 and the ongoing Synod on Synodality built upon the Vatican II vision of power. 

He said these events have addressed specific challenges and opportunities within African contexts in their advocacy for a more inclusive and participatory approach to power.

“The African Synod emphasized the importance of contextualizing the Church’s teachings within the unique cultural and social realities of Africa. It called for a Church that is deeply engaged with the realities of its people, promoting justice and peace in a way that resonates with local contexts.”

Regarding the multiyear Synod on Synodality, which Pope Francis extended to 2024 — the first phase was Oct. 4–29, 2023, concluding with a 42-page summary report, and the second session is scheduled for Oct. 2–29 in Rome — he highlighted the focus on “listening and dialogue” as important.

“The Synod on Synodality invites the entire Church to engage in a process of listening and dialogue, reflecting on how we can build a Church where all feel they belong and contribute. It challenges us to rethink traditional structures and relationships to foster a more inclusive and participatory Church,” the prelate said.

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Turkson went on to call for reflection and engagement in examining power dynamics within the Church and society. 

“As we navigate the complexities of power in today’s world, we must continually reflect on how our faith and teachings guide us in these dynamics,” he said, adding: “As the Church seeks to renew itself, it can also offer a prophetic witness to the world by challenging unjust power structures and advocating for the dignity of every human person.”

“In a world where power is often used to oppress and exploit, the Church must stand as a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless. The legacy of Vatican II, the African Synod, and the Synod on Synodality offers valuable insights into building a more just and inclusive Church and society.”

The cardinal called on leaders in the Church and society to engage in a “critical reexamination of power dynamics,” saying: “This is not just a challenge for the leaders of the Church or the powerful in society; it is a call to each of us to examine how we use the power we have in our own lives. Whether in our families, our workplaces, or our communities, we must strive to use power in ways that reflect the values of justice, compassion, and the common good.” 

“May the Spirit of God lead us as we seek to reimagine power in our Church and in our world, so that all may experience the fullness of life that Christ came to bring,” he said.

New academic year opens for HUC

Turkson announced in his lecture the opening of the 2024-2025 academic year of HUC.

The new academic year at HUC has been placed under the theme “HUC@41, Forward and Upward: A Bold Vision Filled with Hope.”

In his address during the event, HUC principal Father Marcel Uwineza said the theme of the new academic year shows the institution’s “commitment to continuous improvement, academic excellence, and spiritual growth while building on the legacy of its founders and predecessors.”

Reflecting on the HUC’s achievements since it marked four decades of existence last year, Uwineza noted that 99% of the objectives set under the 2023/2024 theme “Moving from Better to Best” had been accomplished. 

“Going forward means continuing to progress, to build on the strengths of those who came before us, and to learn from the mistakes of the past. Mistakes are not failures; they are opportunities for growth and wisdom. This is the essence of Hekima — wisdom that comes from lived experience,” the Rwandan-born member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) said.

As part of the new academic year’s agenda, Uwineza announced the launch of a new six-year strategic plan aimed at expanding the University College’s programs, increasing its global visibility, and ultimately transitioning the Jesuit institution of higher learning into a full-fledged university.

He called on faculty, staff, and students to contribute to this mission, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and a shared commitment to achieving “these ambitious goals.”

In his welcoming remarks to new students, Uwineza encouraged them to “engage deeply with the academic and spiritual life” at HUC, inviting them to embark on a journey of “serious scholarship and personal growth.”

The HUC principal reminded students that the true value of their education “lies not in external accolades but in the depth of their knowledge and the positive impact they can have on those around them.”

Uwineza also underscored the importance of maintaining a positive attitude toward studies and lecturers, urging students to make HUC their home and fully commit to their academic journey.

Margaret Muhoro, chair of the HUC Council, emphasized the importance of time, dedication, and collective effort in achieving the HUC’s “ambitious goals.”

Muhoro underscored the value of hard work and perseverance in achieving academic success. 

“No masterpiece was ever created by a lazy artist. Excellence is not an accident. Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, do not turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it,” she said.

Muhoro encouraged HUC students to engage fully with the opportunities provided at the Jesuit institution of higher learning, reminding them that learning is a process that often involves overcoming multiple challenges. 

“You have a well-laid-out stage — the faculty, learning infrastructure, and a beautiful environment— all set! You cannot be a spectator; obey the weather — dance in tune, in rhythm, bring your whole self to the stage,” she said.

She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the HUC strategic plan, which she said seeks to drive growth and expansion in every facet of the institution.

“The clock is ticking; it is time to move forward and upward with boldness and hope,” the HUC council chair said.

This article was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.