What is the Synod on Synodality?
The Synod on Synodality, initiated by Pope Francis in October 2021, is a multi-year global project during which the faithful were invited to provide feedback to their local dioceses on the question: "What steps is the Holy Spirit urging us to take in order to grow in our 'shared journey'?".
The extensive synodal process of the Catholic Church has already passed through diocesan, national, and continental phases, as well as the first global assembly in the Vatican in October 2023. The upcoming session in October 2024 will be the second and final global assembly that will culminate the discernment phase of the synod.
What does synodality mean?
Synodality has been defined in the 2023 summary report as the journey of Christians with Christ to the Kingdom of God together with all humanity. It involves meetings of representatives at various levels of church life, mutual listening, dialogue, shared discernment, building consensus as an expression of Christ's living presence in the Spirit, and decision-making in differentiated co-responsibility.
What are the main questions and topics of the synodal assembly in 2024?
The Instrumentum laboris for 2024, which draws on the results of the 2023 assembly, outlines three main questions: How can we be a fuller sign and instrument of unity with God and the unity of all humanity? How can we better share gifts and tasks in the service of the gospel? What processes, structures, and institutions are needed in a mission-oriented synodal church?
The document focuses on how the synodal church is mission-oriented and suggests concrete ways to implement a more synodal approach throughout the church.
What topics might be addressed at the synodal assembly?
The 2024 Instrumentum laboris will try to avoid raising certain controversial topics that were already discussed at the 2023 assembly. Instead of directly addressing issues such as LGBTQ, these topics have been delegated to specialized study groups for further examination.
The document also proposes procedures that it refers to as new approaches to "controversial" questions in the church. It suggests supporting "initiatives that enable shared discernment on doctrinal, pastoral, and ethical matters," and proposes further expert meetings including those directly concerned with these issues.
How does the Synod on Synodality differ from past episcopal synods?
A synod is a gathering of bishops who convene to discuss topics of theological or pastoral significance and prepare a document with counsel or recommendations for the pope.
The episcopal synods in 2023 included delegates who are not bishops for the first time. Nearly a third of the 364 voting delegates were directly appointed by the pope, including laity, priests, religious women, and deacons. 54 voting members were women.
Who are the participants of the project?
The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops announced that the initial listening phase in dioceses concluded with the participation of 112 out of 114 world Catholic bishops' conferences. The October assembly will include 368 voting members and 96 participants without voting rights.
Who are the main leaders of the Synod on Synodality?
Cardinal Mario Grech, who is the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, a 66-year-old Archbishop of Luxembourg, remains one of the main organizers as the General Relator. This Jesuit is a member of the council of cardinal advisors to Pope Francis.
What will happen after the synod?
The assembly in October 2024 marks the end of the discernment phase. The next phase will focus on implementation. Fifteen study groups created to address the topics from the 2023 assembly will continue their work until June 2025.
Taken from the portal cirkev.cz
