Dialogue Between the Holy See and German Bishops on Synodality in the Church
A recent joint statement released by the Holy See and the German Bishops’ Conference signifies the ongoing dialogue initiated in 2022 to explore avenues for implementing tangible forms of synodality in the Church in Germany.
Following Pope Francis’s directive, delegates from the Roman Curia and the German Bishops’ Conference convened at the Vatican for further discussions. The dialogue stems from previous interactions during the ad limina visit of the German bishops in November 2022 and subsequent meetings on 22 March 2024.
Concrete Forms of Exercising Synodality
The day-long dialogue, as highlighted in the joint statement, was marked by a positive and constructive atmosphere. The discussions were based on an agreement made on 22 March 2024, aiming to develop specific forms of synodality practice in the Church in Germany, aligning with Vatican II’s ecclesiology, Canon Law, and the Synod of the Universal Church.
The Synod Committee Meeting
The bishops elaborated on the recent Synod Committee meeting, focusing on theological foundations and the potential establishment of a national synod body. The conversation emphasized the correlation between episcopal ministry and the involvement of all the faithful in Church matters, particularly regarding canon law for operationalizing synodality in Germany.
Changes in the Proposal for a National Synod Body
A dedicated commission, established by the Synod Committee, will address synodality and synodal body structure concerns, collaborating closely with a commission from relevant Dicasteries. The statement underscored a desire from the Roman Curia representatives for adjustments to the proposed national synod body, emphasizing that it should not overshadow the Bishops’ Conference.
Upcoming Talks After the Synod
The composition of the German Bishops’ Conference delegation for future discussions with the Roman Curia representatives was deliberated. Post the Universal Church Synod, talks will continue, covering various anthropological, ecclesiological, and liturgical topics.
Participants
Cardinals Victor Manuel Fernandéz, Kurt Koch, Pietro Parolin, Robert Prevost, and Arthur Roche, along with Archbishop Filippo Iannone represented the Roman Curia. From the German Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing, Bishops Stephan Ackermann, Bertram Meier, Franz-Josef Overbeck, Beate Gilles, and Matthias Kopp participated in the discussions.
