A Synod on Synodality, Part 2: Gathering Input

It is important to note that the Synod is not beginning this October.  It actually began soon after Pope Francis’ Sept. 18, 2021 announcement of the Synod with the listening processes which lasted for much of 2022.

On Oct 6, 2021 Cardinal Cupich stated the following:
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The Holy Father is asking the universal Catholic Church to take up a journey together to reflect on the theme: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.” Pope Francis has called this a time of “mutual listening that involves the entire People of God. But this listening is not about garnering opinions, taking a survey, but listening to the Holy Spirit, as we read in the book of Revelation: ‘Whoever has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches’ (2:7).”

The first stage of the listening process was called the Diocesan Stage.  Every Diocese throughout the world was charged with developing a process to involve all the Faithful in gathering issues which needed to be discussed at the Synod.  This was to be done in a participative process across parishes and other institutions and take place during 2022.  Reports from this process were sent to the US Episcopal Conference (the USCCB) which established a committee to develop a National Synthesis.  Other Inputs came from Religious Orders of Men and Women, various institutions and advocacy groups, and interested individuals.  (Some of these contributions were made through the Diocesan processes and some to the Vatican directly.)

The USCCB committee studied these results and issued their summary National Synthesis report on Sept. 19, 2022.  If this 11 page report could be summarized in one word, it would be inclusiveness.  The report begins by pointing out that over 700,000 people participated in the listening activities in the US.  It then goes on to highlight many circumstances in which the inclusion of all persons was a key area for the Synod to address.

The Synthesis begins with praise for the very existence of the Synodal listening process itself: “a great appreciation for the synodal process.  They [the Synod participants] were truly grateful for the opportunity to be heard and to listen, and for the spirit of openness.”  This openness was seen as especially important for many groups that saw themselves as wounded or excluded.  The report calls out in particular:

• “the marginalized . . . such as immigrant communities, ethnic minorities, the undocumented, people who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, or incarceration or suffering from various addictions”
• “the sex abuse scandals and the way the Church leadership handled the situation”
• “some youth who perceive the Church as hypocritical”
• “a desire for stronger leadership, discernment and decision-making roles for women – both lay and religious – as a matter of justice.”
• “members of the LGBTQ+ community”
• “the divorced, whether remarried or not”
• “the experience that the Church is deeply divided”  including “the perceived lack of unity among the Bishops”

While this may sound like a negative list, the National Synthesis calls on the Church to extend its listening ears, helpful arms, and nonjudgemental pastoral inclusion to persons expressing these feelings and needs.  The Synod, by beginning with listening, is seen as a way of beginning that process.

Next time:  How the US National Synthesis­­­­­ contributed to the North American Continental Summary sent to the Vatican

Read more from our series about the Synod on Synodality:
Part 1: A Synod on Synodality
Part 3: North American Issues
Part 4: October Agenda
Part 5: Questions and Expectations
Part 6: Session 1 Final Report
SJ23 Parishioner's Reflection from Rome