Preparing for the 2024 Synod

INTRODUCTION

The Synod on synodality, which took place in October last year, marked a significant development in the participation of laypeople, particularly women, who were invited to attend and granted voting rights. In fact, 54 women, including Estela Padilla, a theologian from the Philippines, were able to vote in the Synod. This inclusivity allowed for a diverse range of perspectives from women, young people, and other lay individuals, enabling them to actively participate in the decision-making process.

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The Synthesis Report, published after the Synod, highlighted two key concepts: synodality and co-responsibility. Synodality refers to the notion of a more participatory and discerning Church.   Co-responsibility emphasizes the necessity of involving laypeople in the governance of the Church. To promote this co-responsibility, the Synthesis Report recommends making parish councils mandatory.

Currently, the work on synodality is ongoing in preparation for the second and final session of the Synod, scheduled for October 2-27 this year. It is important to bear in mind that, as the Pope stated, “The Synod is about synodality, and not about this or that theme,” The Secretariat of the Synod has issued instructions for the upcoming second and final session. Local Churches will need to address questions on two levels. At the local level, the questions pertain to how Churches can enhance co-responsibility, how structures, discernment, and decision-making processes can promote co-responsibility, and what ministries and participatory bodies can be introduced to better express this co-responsibility. On the second level, the question is how to articulate the relationship between the local Churches and the Bishop of Rome.

Throughout this process, it is crucial to involve individuals and groups who bring a variety of experiences, skills, charisms, and ministries. This includes theologians, canonists, and local academic institutions, whose perspectives will be particularly valuable.

Once contributions from the Dioceses, Episcopal Conferences, and Oriental Churches have been collected, a summary will be compiled and sent to the General Secretariat. This will serve as the basis for drafting the Instrumentum Laboris, the Synod’s Working Document.

The synodal process will ultimately conclude with the final session of the Synod in October 2024.  The theme of Synodality is pivotal for the life and mission of the Church. We hope and pray that a more synodal and missionary Church develops in this third millennium.

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