Synodality is Pope Francis’ vision to reform the Catholic Church to ensure human equality and a rightful place for everyone in the Church, a spirit that embodies the essence of the Second Vatican Council held about 60 years ago. Vatican II affirmed that every Christian shared Christ’s role as priest, king, and prophet by virtue Read more
After formally banning several “doctrinally problematic” hymns last week, a Missouri bishop, Shawn McKnight, changed his tune, rescinding his original decree in favour of a 12-month synodal process. In his 5 November decree, McKnight wrote “It is now clear that an authentically synodal process of greater consultation did not occur prior to its promulgation”. He Read more
The synodal process has shown a concerning lack of rigorous theological examination of the liturgy—both its theological essence and its ritual execution—leading to debates and speculative discussions that hinder the Church’s progress. This deficiency is starkly highlighted in paragraphs 26-28 of the Synod’s Final Document. The document equates Eucharistic and synodal assemblies as manifestations of Read more
Although Pope Francis took it off the agenda, the appointment of bishops is still being discussed privately by members of the synod. The Pope took this and a number of issues off the agenda because he wanted the synod to focus on synodality and not be distracted by controversial and complicated issues. Discussions about bishops Read more
Is the Synod on Synodality the most important moment for the Church since the Second Vatican Council, as one high-ranking Vatican source believes? I’d love to tell you I know exactly what was in front of me October 2 at its reopening in the late afternoon, but that wouldn’t be accurate. For now, this synod Read more
Seven cardinals called for forgiveness for seven sins during the penitential celebration at the opening of the Synod of Bishops’ second session last week. Sins against peace Cardinal Oswald Gracias sought forgiveness “for the lack of courage, the necessary courage in the pursuit of peace between peoples and nations. “Our sin is even graver if, Read more
New tasks and challenges emerge between the synod’s first and second sessions. Greater attention needs to be paid to the wider context of the synodal renewal, to the preconditions and consequences of this process. It concerns a much larger and more demanding task than simply transforming a rigid clerical system within the Catholic Church into Read more
I was struck by the gospel reading on Sunday (Aug. 25) in which John, speaking about Jesus’ followers, wrote that “many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” The image made me sad, because it seemed to reflect what is going on in the Catholic Church and Read more
Remember the Synod on Synodality? The synod has just produced its latest “working document” (instrumentum laboris) to direct the next round of discussion. For the most part it’s more sensible than previous stages of the synod. It clears the way to discuss how the church might be synodal in a more grown-up way. Some people Read more
From one synod session to another, where do we stand? “The Holy People of God has been set in motion for mission thanks to the synodal experience,” declared Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich S.J., General Rapporteur of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Invited to exchange ideas using the method of spiritual conversations, Read more