These workshops are crucial in shaping discussions at the synod, which aims to make the Church more inclusive and participatory. This reflects the themes outlined in the Vatican's guiding document "Instrumentum Laboris".

Europe

In Europe, bishops will meet in Austria (August 29-31) to discuss how diversity can strengthen the Church amidst cultural challenges.

Pastoral theologian Klara-Antonia Csiszar said that diversity at all levels within the Catholic Church will be a key focus area of the meeting.

"We have attached importance to how diversity can be perceived in Europe" Csiszar said. "What message does this diversity have for the Church in Europe, what does it mean for our local churches, [and] what voice does the Church in Europe play in the symphony of the universal Church?"

Asia

The workshops in Bangkok (August 5-8) focused on fostering unity among diverse religious traditions in Asia. This is critical in a continent marked by significant religious plurality.

"Asia has nurtured a diversity of cultures and religions and, by embracing harmony, mutual appreciation and respect for differences, we can help the universal Church understand more about the experience of walking together amidst diversity" Cardinal Stephen Chow said.

Latin America

Latin American bishops met in Colombia (August 9-11) to examine the relationship between synodality and the Church's evangelising mission. They strongly emphasised areas facing social and economic hardships.

Archbishop of Caracas in Venezuela, Monsignor Raúl Biord, stated "Reducing mission to a missionary pastoral care as proposed in many of our diocesan organisational charts is unfocused and impoverishing".

"The true goal of synodality is the mission to which we are called (by the mandate of the Risen One), in which we are involved (from the Trinitarian dynamic) and committed (by baptism and the sacraments of Christian initiation)."

Africa

Discussions in Africa, at a meeting in Kenya (April 23-26), centred on integrating local cultural values into the Church's mission. This focus on community and interconnectedness could enrich the Church's approach to synodality and mission on the continent.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of SECAM and archbishop of Kinshasa, said "There was consensus among delegates that Africa must embrace the experience of Small Christian Communities and the rich philosophical principles of Ubuntu, which highlight the values of family, fraternity and solidarity".

These regional workshops align with Pope Francis' vision of a Church that listens and responds to its global community.

The October synod will bring together Church leaders and laypeople to discuss these themes further. Together, they will aim to shape the future direction of the global Church.

Sources

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

Klara-Antonia Csiszar, Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Catholic Private University of Linz, shared with Catholic media that while there will be no vote on ordaining female deacons, progress towards a more inclusive Church is underway.

Patience, Csiszar noted, is necessary for these changes to unfold.

Csiszar pointed out that the major theological challenge regarding women's ordination revolves around the concept of "representatio Christi" - the representation of Christ in sacramental actions.

Despite unresolved questions, Csiszar believes that separating deacons and deaconesses from the traditional three-tiered (Deacon - Priest - Bishop) ordained ministry could be a viable solution.

Church of the Council

She also suggested that women could already take on leadership roles and decision-making powers, making the Church more synodal. She believes this approach can enhance Church structures and representation.

At the first Synod on Synodality assembly in October 2023, Csiszar witnessed the importance of diverse perspectives and the collaborative spirit, which she believes are crucial for developing improved Church structures.

The second and final part of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will convene in Rome in October 2024, concluding the Synod on Synodality that began in 2021.

In March, Pope Francis established ten study groups to explore various reform topics including women's ordination and the possibility of a female diaconate.

Pope Francis instructed the study groups to submit their findings by the end of June 2025.

Csiszar criticised those who accuse the Synodal Process and Pope Francis of having a superficial reform agenda. She reflected on a lecture by council theologian Karl Rahner in 1965, noting that it may take generations to transition "from a Church that had a council to a Church of the council".

Sources

English Katholisch

Vatican News

CathNews New Zealand