Symposium Celebrates 50 Years of Vatican II

When Vatican II met, African bishops participated for the first time in the highest exercise of the Catholic Church’s pastoral and teaching ministry. The groundbreaking event led the Church to reflect upon itself for the first time in nearly 2,000 years; to renew and unify the church, and to reach across the ecumenical aisle.

Fifty years later, Duquesne is examining the impact of this historic milestone this Friday, Sept. 28, and Saturday, Sept. 29.

When Vatican II convened, 260 bishops came from Africa. Most were missionary bishops; only 61 were African natives. In the intervening years, the demographics of Christianity—and the Catholic Church—have shifted radically to the southern hemisphere. As a result, churches in Africa have contributed to and are helping to shape the future of the universal Church.

“Very little of the conference is looking back,” said Dr. George Worgul, chair of theology and University coordinator for academic programs in Africa. “What began 50 years ago has now matured; we were interested in inviting people who could reflect on that.”

The free, two-day symposium on Challenges and Contributions of the African Church gives people a chance to hear African theologians and Roman Catholic Church leaders such as Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and other internationally known scholars.

Fifty years ago, the perspective focused on what Westerners could bring to Africa. Today’s shifting demographics illustrate that discussion is needed on “what contributions can Africa bring to the West, to the global Church,” Worgul said.

Symposium themes encircle peace, justice, the environment, marriage and family, all issues current and important in both hemispheres, Worgul said. “We have sent missionaries to Africa to help them, but people need to understand that there’s a deep richness that has solidified and grown in Africa that can really enrich the West, including the whole understanding of family and connectedness that’s present in the African community.”

Turkson will speak on Vatican II and the Challenge of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation in Africa on Saturday, in the Pappert Lecture Hall of the Bayer Learning Center. At that time, he will receive an honorary degree from Duquesne. In addition, Turkson will preside at the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass in the University Chapel.