A Synod on Synodality, Part 6: Session 1 Final Report

The Synod Assembly in Rome this October was historic in several ways. It included lay men and women as full voting members and it carried out its discussions in small groups as well as full sessions. It unveiled a new method of discussion which it called “Conversation in the Spirit” as a way of prayerfully discerning controversial issues posed in the Synod’s agenda.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the 40-page report from this Session of the Synod is that rather than defining conclusions, it designates the important issues that need further prayerful discernment in a Synodal style over the coming 11 months until the second Synod session next October. That some of these issues have been firmly placed on the list of items to be discussed by the universal church is a significant development. The final document approved by this Session of the Synod summarizes those issues under three headings:

1. Synodality
   The shape of our “Synodal Discernment” over the coming year should follow the model of the initial world wide Synod Listening Sessions as well as the prayerful “Conversation In The Spirit” model of this first Synod Session.
   ​- These ongoing discussions must be inclusive of all persons, including both clergy and laity. Existing leadership must overcome any fear of losing power.
   -Discussions must include both currently active members and those persons who see themselves as too often excluded.
   - Discussions should reflect creative ways of meeting the different needs of various locations.
   - The inclusive “Conversation In The Spirit” discernment model of the Synod must be the spirit of this process. Training and practice in this model should be available to all participants.
2. We are ALL Disciples and Missionaries
   - Roles of the laity, and particularly of women, need to be faced in light of current changes in both society and the church. This requires both theological reform and structural changes. This includes new ministries, such as women in the diaconate, especially in light of new studies of women’s roles in the early church. Women’s presence in decision making roles is an urgent need as is women’s access to the education and formation for such service. Different creative solutions may be needed in various geographical areas.
   -Liturgical language and the lectionary need to be reformed to make them more accessible and inclusive. Liturgical roles should be studied and the expansion of the office of Lector to include preaching should be considered.
   - Accountability of Bishops needs to be strengthened. The establishment of diocesan Councils should be mandatory. The structure of selection and reviews of Bishops should be studied.
3. Building Community
   - Formation programs should be available for all members of the church community, including lay men and women, religious and clergy.
   - The process of candidate selection for clergy should be broadened and all clergy should be trained in and practice a Synodal approach.
   - We all must model Jesus’ acceptance of all people, and should consider what that means in light of today’s anthropology.
   - Our discernment must broaden the composition of persons participating in it. All persons affected should be included, particularly those who feel they have been excluded. We must apply the idea of a ministry of listening and accompaniment.
   - Pastoral Councils should be obligatory on all levels.

The report also calls for the establishment of an Intercontinental Commission on Theology and Canon Law dedicated to the study of the underlying changes that would be required to implement decisions that result from the coming year’s continuing Synodal work and the decisions of next year’s Synod session.

Read more about the Synod on Synodality:
Part 1: A Synod on Synodality
Part 2: Gathering Input
Part 3: North American Issues
Part 4: October Agenda
Part 5: Questions and Expectations
SJ23 Parishioner's Reflection from Rome