Synod reflections – a synopsis

                  

These are some remarks that I felt are important to share as a brief synopsis of the points issued in the final document last Saturday at the Synod in the Vatican.

A more practical definition of “synodality” is defined as speaking of a mode of being Church that integrates communion, mission, and participation. It is important to many to make liturgical language more accessible to the faithful and more embodied in the diversity of cultures. We need to care for the poor, who ask the Church for “love”, understood as “respect, acceptance, and recognition.”  The poor not only as those who are materially impoverished, but also migrants; indigenous peoples; victims of violence and abuse (especially women), or racism and trafficking; people with addictions; minorities; abandoned elderly people; and exploited workers, the unborn and their mothers.
It is important to engage decisively in education, in the culture of dialogue and encounter, combating racism and xenophobia. Laymen and laywomen, those in consecrated life, and ordained ministers have equal dignity and are indispensable to the mission of the Church. Their charisms must therefore be called forth, recognized and fully appreciated, and not be ignored, underutilized, or ‘clericalised.’ There should be a strong commitment on the part of the Church to accompany and understand women in all aspects of their lives, including pastoral and sacramental ones. There is a desire to promote a Church in which men and women dialogue together… without subordination, exclusion, and competition. Women can participate in decision-making processes and assume roles of responsibility in pastoral care and ministry.... women’s access to theological education and training programmes must be expanded, including promoting the use of inclusive language in liturgical texts and Church documents.
Bishops are called to be “an example of synodality” by exercising “co-responsibility”, understood as the involvement of other actors within the diocese and the clergy, so as to lighten the burden of “administrative and legal commitments” which can hinder their mission. There should also be careful consideration of matters that are controversial within the Church – that is, among other issues, matters “such as those relating to matters of identity and sexuality, the end of life, complicated marital situations, and ethical issues related to artificial intelligence”. An invitation should be made to hear and accompany people who feel marginalized or excluded from the Church because of their marriage status, identity or sexuality. It is up to us to reach today’s culture in all spaces where people seek meaning and love, including the spaces they enter through their cell phones and tablets.... how the Christian community can support families in ensuring that the online space is not only safe but also spiritually life-giving.