The Final Report: “For a Synodal Church”

Conversion of Relationships (aka listening!)

(Note: The following sections of the Report go beyond the theory and theology of synodality to show how synodality - which begins with deep and respectful listening to the Holy Spirit and each other - can re-equip our Church for mission. In this section of the Report - the Conversion of Relationships - the Synod Assembly offers not only its assessment of relationships within the Church, but also concrete actions we can take to become the Church we are called to be. These posts are a little longer than my usual posts as a result.)

The numbers included in my reflection below tie to the paragraph number in the Final Report: For a Synodal Church - Communion, Participation and Mission.

The subtitle of this section is “On the Boat, Together.” Just as the disciples worked together to accomplish their mission, each offering their own strengths and skills, so too must the faithful in our day.

The Synod Assembly begins by calling our attention to the importance of listening. Jesus is our model in this. In the Gospels we often see him in the act of listening to the people who come to him. Jesus never sent anyone away without stopping to listen and speak to them, whether men or women, Jews or pagans, doctors of the Law or publicans, righteous men and women, or sinners, beggars, the blind, lepers or the sick. He met them where they were and listened to their needs. And then by responding, he renewed their lives and their faith, and opened the path to healed relationships. ⁽⁵¹⁾

The synodal journey of the past three years pointed out the need for a Church that better nurtures relationships - with the Lord, between men and women, in the family, in the local community, among social groups and religions, with all of creation, and especially the poor and marginalized. ⁽⁵⁰⁾

The Spirit has sown the seeds of the Gospel in every corner of the Globe, in every culture and in every human group. These seeds bear fruit in the ability to live healthy relationships, cultivate mutual trust and forgiveness and overcome fear of diversity. ⁽⁵⁶⁾ Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear!

All have joys and sorrows to share, and a desire to be closer to God and to each other. In listening to the reality in which they live, the People of God discover new forms of commitment and new ways to fulfill their mission, a mission that includes all the baptized. ⁽⁵⁸⁾ Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear!

We must listen to the poor and marginalized. Wars, armed conflicts, and political, economic, and ecological exploitation of all kinds create barriers that divide, resulting in inequalities in which some have possibilities that are denied to others. Racial prejudices, caste division, discrimination against the disabled, violations of the rights of minorities, and reluctance to accept migrants all create structures of sin. ⁽⁵⁴⁾ The poor and the marginalized were the group on which Jesus focused much of his ministry. So too must we.

We must listen to women, recognizing their contributions and expanding their opportunities. Women make up the majority of churchgoers and are often the first witnesses to faith in families. They are active in the life of small Christian communities and parishes; they run schools, hospitals and shelters; they lead initiatives for reconciliation, promoting human dignity and social justice. ⁽⁶⁰⁾

We must listen to children and young people, ensuring their safety and valuing their potential. We must assure our youth of thoughtful and patient accompaniment, avoiding paternalism and judgment, and supporting their desire to create welcoming communities, fight against social injustice, and care for our common home. ⁽⁶²⁾

We must listen to people with disabilities, acknowledging their experiences of suffering, marginalization and discrimination, and recognizing the wealth of humanity they bring with them. ⁽⁶³⁾

We must listen to married people, and single people. Through their commitment to family life and their children, married persons build up the Church and contribute to society. Persons that remain single also must be heard and accompanied, and their gifts received and accepted. ⁽⁶⁴⁾

We must listen to religious communities. Their service to God and others serves as an example to the Church. We recognize in them the seeds of synodal living: practicing discernment in common, harmonizing spiritual gifts, and pursuing their mission in communion. Today, many communities of consecrated life are like laboratories for inter-cultural living in a way that is prophetic for both the Church and the world. ⁽⁶⁵⁾

Mission involves all the Baptized, both lay people . . .

Lay women and men must be able to take up their task to preach and live the Gospel and thereby transform their communities. The synodal process enables local churches, under the direction of their pastors, to respond with creativity and courage to the needs of the mission - encouraging more forms of lay ministries, ministries that do not require the Sacrament of Holy Orders. ⁽⁶⁶⁾ Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear!

. . . and the ordained.

Ordained Ministers are called to be at the service of the Gospel and the Church.

Bishops serve the people entrusted to them. They recognize, discern and bring together the gifts the Spirit pours out upon the individuals and communities they shepherd. Together with the priests and deacon under their care and authority, Bishops are co-responsible for the work of the churches in their diocese. ⁽⁶⁹⁾

Priests are called to live their service in a spirit of proximity to their people and to be welcoming to all. ⁽⁷²⁾ In this way, they help recognize charisms and needs within their community and accompany their parishioners in mission.

Deacons are ordained, not for the priesthood, but for the ministry. They exercise this ministry in the service of charity, in proclamation, and in the liturgy, promoting a consciousness of service toward all, especially the poor. ⁽⁷³⁾

The synodal process calls for renewed awareness that listening is an essential component of every aspect of the Church’s life: catechesis, formation and pastoral accompaniment, and administering the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of reconciliation. ⁽⁵⁸⁾

Concrete actions to be taken:

Regarding women:

1. By virtue of their baptism, women have equal dignity and status as members of the People of God, and yet women encounter obstacles within the Church in expressing their charisms, vocations and place in church life. This Assembly asks for full implementation of all the opportunities already provided for in Canon Law with regard to the role of women, particularly in places where they remain underutilized. There is no reason or impediment that should prevent women from carrying out leadership roles in the Church: What comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped. ⁽⁶⁰⁾

2. Women played key roles in scripture - Mary, mother of God, Mary Magdalene, Martha and Mary, to name a few. Their roles and contributions must be emphasized in liturgy and sermon. The Assembly asks that more attention be given to the language and images used in preaching, teaching, catechesis, and the drafting of official Church documents, giving more space to the contributions of female saints, theologians and mystics. ⁽⁶⁰⁾

Regarding the disabled . . .

1. In order to encourage their participation in the life and mission of the Church, the Synod Assembly proposes further study on the challenges faced by people living with disabilites. ⁽⁶³⁾

Regarding the diaconate . . .

1. The restoration of the diaconate has not been welcomed everywhere in the Church. We must understand why and examine what is working and not working, and what needs to be changed so this valuable resource to the Church can grow. ⁽⁷³⁾

2. Additionally, the question of women’s access to the diaconate remains open. This discernment needs to continue. ⁽⁶⁰⁾

Regarding the distribution of responsibilities . . .

1. The Church must recognize the difficulties of being pastors - isolation, loneliness, overwhelming expectations. A wider distribution of tasks and a courageous discernment of what must be done by ordained ministers and what can be delegated to others makes for a more spiritually dynamic and sustainable parish. ⁽⁷⁴⁾

Regarding the selection and investiture of bishops . . .

1. The Synodal Assembly desires that the People of God have a greater voice in choosing bishops; that bishops be ordained in the diocese where he will serve, and that his consecrator comes from the province in which the diocese resides, establishing from the start a bond with their community. ⁽⁷⁰⁾

Dear Holy Spirit, after sitting with this section, it seems to me that renewal of our parishes and dioceses, and our church, must begin with patient and respectful listening. But this listening must not be in an echo chamber where the same people - however good their intentions - are the only ones who are welcomed in. We must go outside of our comfort zones, and beyond the usual volunteers and participants. We must invite in those who have not had a place at the table - especially the poor and those marginalized for any reason - because of their sex, their race, their age, their disability, their social or legal status.

When we share our hopes and our concerns, we come to better understand how we can love and support one another. When we see where we can contribute our gifts for the good of others, we receive abundant gifts in return. Give us the courage to invite in and listen to new voices, and the creativity to open new pathways and opportunities to serve. AMEN