Würzburg, Germany | July 1–3, 2026
The Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), in collaboration with the Institute for World Church and Mission (Institut für Weltkirche und Mission), Germany, and Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, is pleased to announce an international theological and pastoral conference on the theme:
“Engaging Synodality: Intercultural Perspectives for Re-Imagining Pastoral Possibilities.”
The conference will take place from July 1–3, 2026, in Würzburg, Germany, bringing together leading theologians, pastoral practitioners, canonists, religious leaders, and scholars from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America to reflect on one of the most significant ecclesial developments of our time: the reception and implementation of synodality in the life and mission of the Church.
At a time when Pope Leo XIV continues the Church’s commitment to becoming a more missionary, participatory, and listening Church, this gathering seeks to explore how synodality can move beyond theory and become a lived reality in diverse ecclesial, cultural, and social contexts. Participants will examine how local Churches across the world are responding to the call to walk together, discern together, and share responsibility for the mission of the People of God.
The conference will open with a keynote lecture by Prof. Klara A. Csiszar (Romania–Austria) on:
“Translating Doctrine into Practice: Mission as the Alpha and Omega of Synodality”
Her presentation will highlight the relationship between synodality, missionary discipleship, and pastoral conversion.
Over three days, participants will engage a wide range of themes shaping contemporary ecclesial life, including:
- Synodality as a catalyst for pastoral renewal and organizational transformation.
- Governance, authority, and co-responsibility in the Church.
- Canonical and ecclesial reforms necessary for synodal practice.
- The relationship between synodality and democratic cultures.
- Intercultural and contextual approaches to being Church.
- The prophetic contribution of women religious to synodal renewal.
- Reconciliation, healing, and communion in polarized ecclesial communities.
- Synodal formation and leadership development.
- Safeguarding and accountability as dimensions of lived synodality.
- Digital mission and synodality in online spaces.
- Multilingual and intercultural faith experiences in an increasingly global Church.
A highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by Fr. Stan Chu Ilo (Nigeria–USA), Coordinating Servant of PACTPAN, entitled:
“Nothing About Me Without Me: Co-Responsibility in a Synodal Church Family of God”
His presentation will explore one of the central questions emerging from the Synod on Synodality: how the Church can foster authentic participation, shared discernment, and collaborative leadership among all the baptized while respecting the distinct vocations and responsibilities within the People of God.
The conference will feature distinguished speakers from Germany, Argentina, Singapore, Cameroon, Nigeria, Italy, the Philippines, Kenya, Mexico, Ghana, Spain, and India, reflecting the truly global and intercultural nature of contemporary Catholicism. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and participatory conversations, participants will examine both the opportunities and challenges of implementing synodality across diverse ecclesial and cultural settings.
Particular attention will be given to the contribution of the Global South to contemporary ecclesiology. Presentations such as “Synodality as Palaver: The African Church and New Pathways to Being Church in the Contemporary World,” “Synodality and Mission: Reimagining the Prophetic Life of African Women Religious,” and “‘Lived Synodality’ as a Pastoral Style for Safeguarding” will highlight emerging perspectives from Africa and their significance for the universal Church.
The conference further seeks to deepen understanding of synodality as both a theological vision and a practical method for ecclesial life. Participants will explore critical questions such as:
- What competencies are needed to make synodality a lived reality?
- How can local Churches cultivate cultures of listening, dialogue, and discernment?
- What forms of leadership and governance are necessary for a synodal Church?
- How can synodality strengthen mission, inclusion, accountability, and participation?
According to the organizing institutions, the gathering represents an important opportunity for mutual learning among Churches from different regions of the world. By bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives, the conference aims to contribute to the ongoing reception of the Synod on Synodality and to generate new pastoral pathways for the Church in the twenty-first century.
PACTPAN is honored to partner with the Institute for World Church and Mission and Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg in advancing this important conversation and strengthening global theological collaboration in service of a more synodal, missionary, and intercultural Church.
Media Contact
PACTPAN – Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network
Sr Helen Kasaka
Director of Communication
Email: communication@pactpan.org
Conference Dates: July 1–3, 2026
Venue: Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Germany
Conference Theme:
Engaging Synodality: Intercultural Perspectives for Re-Imagining Pastoral Possibilities
