Theologians Reflect on Synodality: The Journey Continues
As theologians evaluate contributions for the upcoming Second Session of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the work on the “Instrumentum laboris” is ongoing. A group of twenty theologians from around the world recently concluded their reflections after analyzing the responses from the people of God to the Synthesis Report produced during the First Session of the General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the General Rapporteur of the General Assembly, expressed the joy of the journey towards a synodal Church. He highlighted the enthusiastic and creative responses, as well as some resistance and concern, in the reports. Cardinal Hollerich stated, “Most reports show the joy of the journey that has given new life to many local communities and provoked significant changes in their way of living and being Church. The seeds of the synodal Church are already sprouting!”
The theologians reviewed more than 100 reports from Bishops Conferences, Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as contributions from various organizations and individuals. Their aim is to create the working document that will guide the Second Session of the General Assembly – the “Instrumentum laboris.”
Under the guidance of Special Secretaries Msgr Riccardo Battocchio and Fr Giacomo Costa, SJ, the theologians focused on the question of “How to be a synodal Church in mission” for the upcoming Assembly. The Second Session will provide theological reflections and concrete proposals to aid the discernment process of the members of the assembly.
The international perspective of the theologians involved included experts from Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania, and Asia. The General Secretariat for the Synod, represented by Cardinal Mario Grech and others, will continue the drafting process for the “Instrumentum laboris” with the goal of presenting the final text to Pope Francis for approval.
As the journey towards a synodal Church in mission progresses, the reflections and guidance provided by the theologians will play a crucial role in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the Second Session of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
