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Last week, the Diocese of Sale had the honour of hosting Dr. Nora Nonterah, a distinguished theological and comparative ethicist from Ghana. Dr. Nora delivered a thought-provoking presentation at the Council of Priests meeting, and later spoke at an evening of music, prayer, and dialogue at St. Agatha’s Parish in Cranbourne. Her presentation, titled, ‘Listening to the Wisdom of Women: Discipleship, Leadership and Synodality from an African Lay Woman's Perspective’, offered profound insights into the life of the Church.
Speaking from her experience as an African lay woman, Dr. Nora shared a compelling vision for a more inclusive Church. She invited the community to critically examine existing structures, identifying challenges such as lay passivity, entrenched clericalism, and the absence of collaborative decision-making—factors that often suppress the wisdom and voices of women.
At the heart of her message was a call to embrace synodality. “Synodality is how we are supposed to be—it is a way of being Church,” she explained, underscoring that it is not merely a program but the very essence of the Church’s identity. This “way of being Church,” she argued, requires active listening to those who have long been marginalized.
To move forward, Dr. Nora emphasized the need for intentional inclusion. “We need to be deliberate and intentional in our inclusion,” she urged. She proposed practical changes, such as reimagining pastoral roles through the lens of liturgy and viewing this moment as an opportunity to renew the Church’s mission by embracing the gifts and contributions of all its members.
Dr. Nora holds a PhD in theology with a specialization in ethics from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Her passion for teaching and mentoring is evident, with particular interest in women’s roles, youth engagement, and seminary formation. Her visit left a lasting impression, offering a timely and transformative message to all who attended.
