By Lavoisier Fernandes –
The heart of autumn has broken, and as the medieval Latin proverb says, “All roads lead to Rome”—the eternal city of the Catholic Church – which is now gearing up for the second and final round of the Synod on Synodality, that is taking place from Oct 2 to 27, 2024.
However, the city of Rome is currently messy, with renovations underway to improve access to key landmarks and refurbish historic pavements, roads, and streets in preparation for the grand “Jubilee of Hope” in 2025.
A similar parallel can be drawn with the Synod on Synodality. Post Synod 1.0, the Church has introduced various, so to say refurbished changes to make its moral teachings more accessible and relevant when addressing contemporary hot-button issues – while still upholding the unchanging core foundations of the “deposit of faith.” However, the process has been somewhat chaotic and tumultuous.
In July 2024, the Vatican’s social media office ran a poll asking, “Do you believe that synodality as a path of conversion and reform can enhance the mission and participation of all the baptized?” With 88% responding “no,” the Vatican removed the poll due to its overwhelmingly negative response.
This suggests that while there is much discussion about synodality, especially in Rome, it has yet to permeate parish life or even reach most bishops and priests. There is a pressing need for more conversation and education at the parish level to better inform the laity about the importance of synodality. Additionally, the poll results and comments revealed stronger resistance to synodality coming from North America compared to the global Church.
In August 2023, Pope Francis acknowledged that the Synod on Synodality might seem “abstract” and “of little interest to the general public,” but emphasized its critical importance for the Catholic Church.
So, what happened post Synod 1.0?
Building on the 2023 synod synthesis document, the Holy Father has highlighted 10 issues (listed below) that he believes “require in-depth study.” These topics have been assigned to 10 separate study groups, operating outside the scope of Synod 2.0, with the understanding that completing their work by the end of the synod may not be feasible.
- The relationship between Eastern Catholic Churches and the Latin Church.
- Listening to the cry of the Poor.
- Mission in the digital environment.
- Revising the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis with a missionary synodal focus.
- Theological and canonical matters related to ministerial forms and the role of women.
- Revising documents on Bishops, consecrated life, and ecclesial associations from a synodal perspective.
- Aspects of the Bishop’s role from a missionary synodal perspective.
- The role of Papal Representatives in a missionary synodal context.
- Theological criteria and methodologies for discerning controversial issues.
- Integration of ecumenical advancements into ecclesial practices.
What does the Instrumentum laboris 2.0 say?
The Instrumentum Laboris, which will be the working document guiding the discussions for Synod 2.0 was released by the Vatican on the the 9th July 2024.
The main theme is how to build a “missionary synodal Church” and the Instrumentum Laboris does not offer any “pre-packaged answers” but rather “indications and proposals.”
How is the Instrumentum laboris document structured ?
The document is structured in five sections: introduction, foundations, and three central parts. The document first reflects on the Church’s journey and stresses the need for unity and reconciliation, especially in a world divided by conflict and inequality. The Instrumentum Laboris encourages the Church to act as a unifying force that listens to the voices of the marginalized, poor, and powerless.
What does the document say about valuing women in the Church (foundations nn. 13-18) ?
The foundations give ample space on the role of women in the Church. The document stresses the need to fully recognize and support women’s charisms and their equality through Baptism. It calls for greater female participation in decision-making processes and wider access to leadership roles in dioceses, seminaries, and theological faculties. The document also touches on theological reflection concerning women in the diaconal ministry, acknowledging both support and opposition within different parts of the Church.
What is in the central three parts of the documents?
- Part I – Relationships with God, among brothers and sisters, and among the Churches ( 22-50)
In the first central part, the Instrumentum Laboris explores the importance of relationships with God, among believers, and among various Churches. It highlights the need for charisms, ministries, and ordained ministries to reflect the Church’s mission in a world that longs for justice, peace, and hope.
The voice of young people also emerges, demanding a Church that prioritizes meaningful relationships over rigid structures.
- Part II – Formative paths and community discernment (nn. 51-79)
The second part emphasizes the importance of “community discernment,” stressing that the Church must foster accountability and transparency, particularly in the wake of financial and sexual abuse scandals. The document underscores the need for a culture of mutual trust and regular evaluations of ministerial responsibilities. The Church is encouraged to publish annual reports on resource management and safeguarding measures for minors and vulnerable individuals.
- Part III – Places of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue (nn. 80-108)
The third and final part examines how the Church can engage in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, calling for an end to static visions of ecclesial experiences. It encourages reflection on how the Petrine ministry (the role of the Pope) can evolve in the context of this ecumenical journey.
How does the document conclude?
The document concludes with a hopeful invitation for the Church to continue its journey as “pilgrims of hope,” (n. 112) especially as it approaches the Jubilee of 2025.
So, what should we expect from Synod 2.0?
With the 10 hot-button issues—such as women deacons, the Church’s ministry to LGBTQ+ Catholics, priestly formation, the selection of bishops, and the role of the laity—being excluded from Synod 2.0 and being addressed by a study group, and with Pope Francis having acknowledged the historical role of women in roles similar to deaconesses and expressing openness to exploring the idea of women as deacons without holy orders, one should not expect definitive answers to these specific issues as discussed in the initial session and outlined in the synthesis document.
The main emphasis of Synod 2.0 will be on how the Church can become more open, inclusive, and less bureaucratic, highlighting the shared responsibility of all baptized members, irrespective of their roles or ministries with an aim to create a more unified and participatory Church.
With that in mind, as the Jubilee of Hope approaches, there is renewed optimism for the Church’s mission through synodality.
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith thanks to his Salesian schooling and his passion is podcasting, theology, the papacy, volunteering.
He has hosted the ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both Church and society and has also hosted the ‘Heart Talk’ series for Shalom World Catholic TV. In 2018 one of his podcast -Mental Health and the role of the Catholic Church was shortlisted for the Jerusalem awards in UK. Presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine – Renovação, Mumbai Diocesan magazine – The Examiner, the only digital Indian Catholic portal – Indian Catholic Matters and the Faith Companion Magazine in England.