Does the Synod want to change doctrine?Jack Valero: "Newman strikes me as a very appropriate saint for the Synod assembly."Keys and risks of a Synod that aims to involve the whole ChurchThe news portal Vatican News informs that all the bishops of the world have received a document and a letter from Cardinals Mario Grech and Jean-Claude Hollerich related to the Synod of Synodality that the Church is experiencing.
The document sent begins by encouraging the episcopate to reflect on the session that took place in October 2023, during which a work dynamic based on dialogue and experience was followed. At the end of the Assembly, the synthesis of the topics discussed was made public, to which the bishops are invited to return to continue reflecting on the work done.
The text then clarifies that the Synod is not based on the issues discussed. Citing the Pope Francis explains that "the important thing is how the reflection is done, that is, in a synodal way". However, we cannot lose sight of the topics that the participants will discuss in 2024. For this reason, the Pope will indicate questions that he considers relevant and will convene groups of experts from all continents to work, with the involvement of the competent Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, in an ecclesial dynamization coordinated by the General Secretariat of the Synod". Finally, the groups will present working reports at next year's meeting.
On the other hand, the document sent to the bishops asks them to deepen "the concrete forms of the missionary commitment to which we are called, in the dynamism between unity and diversity proper to a synodal Church". To this end, work will be done both at the level of the local Church and of the local Churches with the Pope, for which it is necessary for each bishop to consult his community.
Guidelines
The working guidelines sent to all the bishops encourage a "reflection centered on the theme of the differentiated co-responsibility in the mission of all the members of the People of God". However, they also emphasize seeking expert voices. The document calls for "the involvement of experts and academic institutions present in the area, so that the contribution of theological and canonical expertise, as well as relevant human and social sciences, can be present".
On the other hand, the Ordinary Council of the Synod wants the experiences of synodality to be broadened at the local level, promoting initiatives, inviting those who live in situations of exclusion, Christians of other denominations and people who confess other religions.
To facilitate the process, the General Secretariat of the Synod has published a possible worksheet on which the local Churches can rely. The document can be found on the official website of the Synod and is available in several languages.
New "Instrumentum Laboris
After the consultation, each episcopal conference will have to send a summary of the work to the General Secretariat of the Synod by May 15, 2024. With the contributions of the local Churches, the body in charge will draft the "Instrumentum Laboris" of the October session.
Although the material sent by the local Churches "will not directly constitute the object of discernment" of the 2024 meeting, it will help to "compose a framework in which to situate the work of the Assembly".
