18 delegates to represent the U.S. at the Synod of BishopsDoes the Synod want to change doctrine?The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has presented the "Synthesis National People of God in the United States of America for the Intermediate Stage of Synod 2021-2024." In this documentThe report reflects "the perception that there is a deep desire among Catholics in the United States to rebuild and strengthen our communion as the Body of Christ," they say.
The bishops express their confidence that "along the synodal journey, the Spirit opens spaces where we can talk about long-standing tensions and at the same time deepen the bonds of our baptismal communion." It is therefore an occasion to "practice with grace the humanly delicate art of listening to one another and speaking together."
With the presentation of this document, the bishops' conference wants to invite "to study and reflection, not in isolation, but together with the lived experience". They also hope that this Synod "is a significant moment in the life of the Church".
Welcoming church
The synthesis of this phase of the Synod notes that the dialogue "has exposed, or brought to light, underlying tensions." However, fruits have also emerged, "two basic hopes for the Church." The document refers to these illusions as "the Safe Harbor of Certainty and openness and the prophetic mystery at the heart of our Burning Communion."
Regarding that "Safe Harbor," the document affirms that the Church can be a place "where the faithful are welcomed, sustained and loved." Or, in other words, "a place for healing during the journey of missionary discipleship." On the other hand, "the Church is called not only to be a safe place, but also a Burning Communion that bears witness to the Gospel with prophetic zeal."
One of the most important aspects where these two facets of the Church are seen, according to the Synod's local working groups, is in multicultural parish communities. In these groups, the exemplary welcome of some parishes fosters "relationship building" and shows "a hospitality that goes beyond a superficial welcome."
Participation beyond the Synod
The national synthesis document of the Synod reflects the desire of many people "for greater attention to formation for evangelization." This is because "the faithful, including marginalized groups who participated in the Synod, communicated a desire to participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church."
In order to achieve this, the working groups have proposed striving for "stronger catechesis and formation, focusing specifically on evangelization programs, the social doctrine of the Church and the role of the family."
In this regard, "many participants expressed tensions about women's active participation in the work of proclaiming the Good News of Christ. In this regard, "many participants expressed tensions about women's active participation in the work of proclaiming the Good News of Christ. young people adults to actively participate in their faith.
Obedience to God
The synthesis of the Synod also includes the opinion of some participants, who think that this stage the Church is going through is "an invitation to deepen our trust in God, who can work through the imperfect members of the Body of Christ".
Precisely for this reason, they consider that "the ongoing synodal experience has offered the People of God a reminder of our call to existential obedience". And that, despite the tensions among the faithful, "our communion of shared faith in Christ calls us to walk together, actively participating in the mission of the Church".
Tensions from the past
These tensions mentioned were an important part of the conversation at this stage of the Synod. In relation to these, the document says that "participants expressed a sincere and urgent desire to address those concerns that most deeply impacted our communion as the People of God." In the vast majority of cases, these tensions were defined as "confusion."
This confusion occurs in "cases of communication, both from the hierarchy and from the secular and Catholic media, which reflect and perpetuate the division within the universal Church and send contradictory messages". But it also occurs in the "area of Church teaching and tradition," "in situations related to the liturgy," "around the Social Doctrine of the Church," and "the tension between a welcoming spirit and the need to articulate the Church's teaching."
The Synod as an experience of unity
The document reflects "the desire of the participants to grow in unity and to take advantage of this moment of the synodal process. Therefore, we hear a call "to go beyond the tensions" to "form ourselves profoundly in the work of encounter and reflection".
In this sense, synodality in the Church "must be a central focus of formation in co-responsibility".
The bishops in the synodal process
The U.S. bishops also participated in this stage of the Synod. Many of them "shared positive experiences of synodal listening in their dioceses" and "the challenges posed by changing cultures within their presbyteries."
The episcopate recognizes that "priests from other countries should be appreciated for their gifts". At the same time, they admit that "ecclesiological positions vary among priests", which "can be a source of division", which the bishops have to alleviate.
The synthesis points out that "some of these polarizations are of political origin, others of a more explicitly theological nature". Therefore, it is important "the integration of a synodal style of conversation, especially in parishes and dioceses, in search of better human relations and mutual understanding".
On the other hand, "the bishops gave a generally positive evaluation of the relations between them and the Holy See". However, many expressed that "direct contact with Rome is not very frequent" and that "communication between the bishops and the offices of the Holy See could be better".
Nevertheless, the episcopate expressed its "appreciation for the work of the Apostolic Nuncio". In fact, "the experience of the Ad Limina visits to Rome were described as occasions of fraternity and joy".
Gratitude for the Synod
The conclusion of the document expresses "gratitude for this synodal journey," thanks to which much progress has been made "as partners in the Church in the United States." In addition, the participants say they are "aware of Pope Francis' notion of a culture of encounter".
The synthesis points out that the tensions mentioned during the work "need not disturb the communion of charity in the Church". It also underlines "the desire and strength of the People of God to commit themselves to the work of synodality".
