Spirituality: An Update on The Synod

 You may have heard that there was a meeting in Rome during October of worldwide Catholics called The Synod on Synodality. Some updates have been provided by the media. For many Americans who may be results oriented, we are anxious for results. We expect lists of “take-aways” and an account of “who won” and “who lost.” 

The success of The Synod is that it has happened and is happening. It represents a stylistic change and has laid a foundation for a deep reform of how the Catholic Church carries out its mission. 

 

This forces us to examine how we determine success. This was never to be an October meeting that would focus upon the most contested topics in the Church and then make dramatic proposals. A process of listening, interacting, and relating to one another collegially will occur over the next eleven months with a longer view of what will open onto the horizon. 

 

The real breakthrough was in the widespread acceptance of the ways of discussing and discerning that were adopted at the Synod. Its radically different approach encouraged attention and prayerful listening among small groups of cardinals, bishops, priests, and lay people seated around tables. It was a levelling of participants as each person was allotted the same time to speak. The inclusion of women was also groundbreaking. 

 

Critics question whether The Synod is the way of proceeding because it is a change in the bishops’ advisory roles. It did address women’s roles including diaconate ordination. It discussed LGBTQ issues though the term “gay” Catholics did not make it into the concluding document. Contention issues were discussed like polygamous marriages in Africa, a reimagining of Catholic teaching on sexuality, the rise of influence in the global South, reformation of seminaries, performance reviews for bishops and priests, and the ordination of married men.

 

Ignatius spoke of conversation being at heart of one’s prayer. The Church realizes conversations are at the heart of governing the Church. It is a place where fears and vulnerabilities are spoken, hopes are laid out, and trust is built. It takes time to form healthy relationships. The success is that for the first time, the global Church came together, sat down at tables, thoughtfully listened to one another, and respected the process of journeying together. We cannot underestimate the power of these encounters. We need to give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to guide us. It encourages us to stay open to God’s invitations and possibilities.