LISTENING AND DIALOGUING IN THE CHURCH: PATHWAYS TO SYNODALITY FOR THE CHURCH IN AFRICA

Abstract

Numerous tests confirm that we are inefficient listeners. Studies have shown that immediately after listening to a 10-minute oral presentation, the average listener has heard, understood, and retained 50 percent of what was said. Because of this fact, most of the problems today in the Church remain inefficient in listening. It is obvious that listening is the communication skill we use most often; it is also the skill in which we have had little training. We have had much formal training in other major communication skills like writing, speaking, and reading, but very few have had formal training in listening. Speaking, hearing, and listening can always be maintained as a complex process when we know the barriers that hinder it. Listening becomes a vital tool for all kinds of common discussions to be successful, and an important part of listening skills is dialogue. Dialogue helps as a sharing process that allows differing viewpoints to be held side- by side. The aim is for the participants to gain a deeper understanding of their own and other's perspectives on a topic or issue. Listening and dialogue not only help to exchange information or opinions but also enhance the ability to create mutual learning and action. Mutual learning requires participants to be open to each other's experiences, perspectives, and insights while challenging their assumptions. Pope Francis called all, both within and outside the Church, to "Listen and Dialogue" in prayer Vigil before Synod on Synodality. In search for the best kind of listening efficiency for a synodal Church, this essay titled "Listening and Dialoguing in the Church: Pathways for Synodality in the Church in Africa" anchors on the importance of listening and dialogue.