Exploring Decision-Making at the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
Over the weekend, the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops delved deep into decision-making processes, emphasizing the crucial aspects of transparency, accountability, and evaluation.
By Christopher Wells
The focus of the Synod in recent days has been on the Pathways section of the Instrumentum laboris, specifically honing in on how Church leaders strategize and carry out decisions.
During the daily press conference on Monday, Dr. Sheila Pires, Secretary of the Synod’s Commission for Information, stressed the significance of learning from the diverse experiences of the Church in different contexts. These experiences shed light on the challenges of reconciling Christian traditions with local customs and laws.
Insights and recommendations have been flowing in from those immersed in varied existing realities, enhancing the discussions at the Assembly.
Key themes from the past few days include the pivotal role of children in Catholic schools, the impact of schools on formation and evangelization, and the urgency of addressing abuse, especially among women religious. The necessity of fostering policies and procedures to combat abuse was a recurring subject of concern.
The discussion also revolved around the broader role of women in the Church, emphasizing the need for greater inclusion in seminary formation and decision-making processes.
Synodal Perspectives and Insights
Highlighting the need for inclusive decision-making processes was Dr. Paolo Ruffini, President of the Commission for Information. He underlined the imperative of involving women and laypeople in Church decisions, alongside addressing issues related to accountability within an ecclesial context.
Several interventions in the Assembly focused on enhancing existing synodal practices and resisting any form of clericalism. The emphasis was on fostering dynamic relationships, closeness, and ensuring the active participation of the faithful in decision-making throughout the Church.
Guest Perspectives
Among the distinguished guests at the press conference was Sr. Gloria Liliana Franco Echeverri, ODN, who serves as the President of the Latin American Confederation of Religious Men and Women (CLAR). Sr. Liliana highlighted the synodal reflections that underscored the essence of Jesus’ actions and the need for a synodal culture rooted in evangelical values.
She emphasized the significance of meaningful formation grounded in committed witness and collaborative engagement, enabling individuals to embody the style of Jesus. Sr. Liliana also touched upon the importance of discernment, both personal and communal, in understanding the prompting of the Holy Spirit within the Church.
Further discussions on transparency, culture, and participatory structures within the Church reflected the collective focus on nurturing a synodal culture that permeates the identity and methods of the Church.
Subsequent speakers, including Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of Cyangugu in Rwanda and Archbishop Zbignevs Stankevics of Riga, shared their insights on unity, reconciliation, and the mission of the Church in today’s world.
Engaging in Synodal Vision
Bishop Sinayobye highlighted the ongoing journey of reconciliation in Rwanda and its relevance to the Synod’s focus on strengthening unity and spiritual lifestyles grounded in communion. He emphasized the transformative potential of synodality in fostering a spirit of unity and evangelization.
Archbishop Stankevics expressed his aspiration to involve every baptized individual in the Church’s mission, aiming to ignite a spirit of missionary evangelization and communal responsibility. He underscored the importance of spiritual rebirth, co-responsibility, and a deeper discernment of God’s presence and mission.
The Synod, as a dynamic platform for engaging with ecclesial efforts globally and fostering a more missionary Church, holds the promise of enriching and empowering the faithful for an ever-evolving journey of faith.
As the Synod progresses, the focus shifts to exploring the diverse “Places” within the Church, promising further enriching discussions and insights into the contemporary ecclesial landscape.
