• Mr Halik, the discussions at the second session of the World Synod have come to an end after almost four weeks. How do you assess the final phase?

Halik: I am convinced that the future of Christianity - at least in this first century of the third millennium - depends to a large extent on how the process of synodal renewal of the Church continues.

What most threatens synodal renewal is the idea that the second session is some kind of conclusion to the synodal process. In reality, it must be a beginning.

• How do you think the success of synodality should be measured?

Halik: It must be measured primarily on two levels: The first is the transformation of mentality, which presupposes a deepening of theology and spirituality.

The second is the ability of the Church to extend the synodal principle beyond the visible boundaries of the Church and to offer it as inspiration in order to transform the process of globalisation into a process of sharing, mutual respect and compatibility in the spirit of the encyclical "Fratelli tutti" (2020) to transform it.

• There were some "controversial" topics during the Synod, such as the Church's treatment of LGBTQ people, more lay participation and the question of the ordination of women. But this synod was not supposed to make any decisions. What does Pope Francis really want to achieve?

Halik: The synod assembly in Rome is not an ecumenical council, but rather a kind of "retreat", "spiritual exercises".

They are intended to inspire a rethink, show the direction of the way forward and encourage people to walk this path independently and creatively together in the local churches - bishops, priests and laity, people in the "centre" and on the "periphery" of the Church.

• What else can we expect in the future? How will the process continue?

Halik: It will be important for the diocesan and continental synods to build on the current phase of the synodal process and, above all, for the existing synodal groups to continue their work.

The work of the existing theological advisory commissions of the Synod will certainly be supported by the "Magisterium of Theologians" with further proposals.

• What is the next step you think the Church should take?

Halik: What we can expect as the next step and as a fruit of the experience so far is a greater decentralisation of the Church.

Some concrete reforms that were expected by many have not materialised, probably mainly because it is clear that some local churches are ripe for reform and others are not yet.

One reason for this is, for example, the different understanding of the role of women in the various cultures.

I fear that some local churches - especially in some post-communist countries - have not yet sufficiently embraced the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

It is therefore not surprising that they are hesitant to continue along this path. The overall situation today is different from that of the 1960s, when the Church came to terms with modernity - piquantly enough, at a time when modernity was already coming to an end.

• What should synodal renewal look like then?

Halik: Paradoxically, those who expect radical institutional changes from the second session of the synod - and will probably be disappointed - are displaying a clerical attitude: they expect changes "from above".

Synodal renewal, however, should be a response to the new "signs of the times" - but this task still awaits the Church on the next stage of the synodal journey.

The continuation of the synodal process requires a deepening of theology and spirituality, or rather a linking of theology and spirituality, as Pope Francis proposed in his motu propriu "Ad theologiam promovendam" (2023).

• First published in katholisch.de and translated in english.katolisch.de
• Mario Trifunovic is a student of Catholic theology in Frankfurt/Main.

In an interview with Austrian newspaper "Kleine Zeitung" Halik emphasised the need for the Church to move away from a perceived attitude of arrogance and exclusivity.

"The Church must shed the pride and arrogance of those who possess the whole truth" Halik stated.

He advocated for a shift towards a more open and receptive approach.

"We must be a listening church, not only a teaching church but above all a learning church" said Halik.

Msgr Halik believes a move towards inclusivity should accompany what would be a radical transformation.

He envisions the Church becoming "a house for all", fostering dialogue within Christianity (ecumenism) and across religious and cultural boundaries.

According to Halik, this vision necessitates a heightened awareness of the Church's ecological responsibility for the planet.

"It is necessary to find a way out of the structure of its closed confessional clerical system towards universality in the sense of a deeper and broader ecumenism" said the religious sociologist.

Renewed hope

The philosopher acknowledged attempts at reform in the past, citing the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) as a step in the right direction. However he believed these efforts yielded "only partial results".

Halik said he finds renewed hope in the ongoing synodal process initiated by Pope Francis, which aims to increase collaboration and dialogue within the Church.

According to Halik, the future will bring many different forms of Christianity. However, this presupposes the development of a culture of respect and mutual recognition.

Halik argued for liberation from "the zeal and fanaticism of revolutionaries and inquisitors" who seek to achieve an ideal state by their own means. He also urged freedom from the temptation to be satisfied with the current state of the Church and religious knowledge.

"Theology must not become an ideology. In our theology there must always be room for mystery, for further seeking, questioning and silent adoration" concluded Halik.

Sources

Katholisch

Vatican News

CathNews New Zealand

Halík, also an acclaimed author, lecturer, psychotherapist, psychologist of religion and pastoral theologian at Charles University in Prague, joined in conversation at Victoria University Wellington's Law faculty.

Halík focussed on a number of issues facing the Church that he said were metaphorically the "afternoon of Christianity".

In an evocative address that spanned the personal and the theological, Halík, who is also a Czech theologian and clandestine priest ordained under communist suppression, delivered a powerful address highlighting the urgent need for reform within the Christian Church.

The crux of Halík's address was his call for a "deep reform" of the Church, extending beyond structural reorganisation to a profound transformation of its mentality and approach to spirituality.

Halík focussed on a number of issues facing the Church. He emphasised the concept of synodality, he advocated for a Church that fosters dialogue and openness, not just within its own hierarchy but also in its engagement and communication with the world at large. This includes other religions, non-believers and the broader ecological environment.

Halík argued that the challenges facing the Church are an opportunity.

In stark contrast to the institutionally rigid Church of the past, he drew on his experiences of ecumenical unity among persecuted Christians in communist prisons, stressing the importance of an open, serving and poor Church.

One of the most controversial aspects of Halik's speech was his critique of the reasons used to oppose the ordination of women.

Halík openly challenged traditional justifications for excluding women from priesthood by questioning the relevance of Christ's selection of male Jewish apostles for shaping contemporary Church practices.

His comment underscores a broader critique of the Church's resistance to modern societal values including gender equality.

Reflecting on what he metaphorically called the "afternoon of Christianity" he suggested a hopeful vision for the future of the Church, one that embraces change and seeks to find God in all aspects of life.

He called for a new chapter in Christian history, marked by a contemplative approach to faith that recognises the diverse spiritual journeys of all individuals, regardless of their formal religious affiliations.

Halík suggested that, in rapidly changing times, the Church faces both internal challenges and external pressures,

Halík says that going backwards, or even the status quo, has no future outside creating a small, almost ideological Church. He said that reform and inclusivity offer a pathway toward a more open, vibrant and engaged Christian faith in the 21st century.

Halík, a prolific author, is also a close advisor to the last President of Czechoslovakia, Václav Havel, and a prestigious Templeton prize winner.

Victoria University of Wellington, Te Kupenga and the Archdiocese of Wellington sponsored the Conversation.

Source

• Supplied