In an address in Rome on 17 October 2015, Pope Francis proclaimed that “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium”. Over the intervening years, the shift from the old to the new – from a hierarchical to a synodal Church – has progressively gathered momentum.
Globally, the 2021–24 Synod – ‘For a Synodal Church’ – is emerging as the most significant gathering for the Church since the Second Vatican Council 60 years ago. An extensive consultation process has been undertaken, covering all regions of the world and many levels of the Church. Drawing on that feedback, an impressive Instrumentum Laboris (Working Document) has been published (see https://www.synod.va/en.html),
and the first meeting of the Synod will be held in Rome in October 2023.
To contribute to understanding this important event, we publish here five articles:
Richard Curtain for the Sense of the Faithful Editorial Committee
What is different about this Synod on synodality?
Richard Curtain for the Sense of the Faithful Editorial Committee
An introduction to the Synod’s working document
Jan Curtain
Vastly different views on reform: Australia and New Zealand
Richard Curtain for the Sense of the Faithful Editorial Committee
The continental stage of the Synod consultations, process and key priorities
Richard Curtain for the Sense of the Faithful Editorial Committee
Presentation by Susan Sullivan at an ACCCR Webinar ‘Synod on synodality: a new kind of Church, 27 July 2023