NURTURING SYNODAL RELATIONSHIPS
The second part (49-77) of the final document of the Synod on synodality discusses synodal relationships drawing inspiration from the image of the apostles fishing together in Lake Tiberias. This section acknowledges that “it is relationships that sustain the Church’s vitality, animating its structures” and calls for a Church “with a greater capacity to nurture relationships: with the Lord, between men and women, in the family, in the local community, among social groups and religions, with the earth itself” (50).
: Recognizing “the widely expressed pain and suffering on the part of many women from every region and continent, both lay and consecrated, during the synodal process”, the document also confesses that some “continued to experience the pain of feeling excluded or judged because of their marital situation, identity, or sexuality”. In this perspective, the synodal experience calls for the attitude of listening (51) and conversion (52) to “open ourselves to a genuine relational conversion that redirects each person’s priorities”.
The document also insists that “attending to relationships is not merely a strategy or a tool for greater organisational effectiveness. Relationships and bonds are the means by which God the Father has revealed Himself in Jesus and the Spirit”. The challenge of renewing relationships in the context of diverse cultural contexts is discussed, calling for the need to address existing dynamics of distorted relationships and the evils rooted in them. It is the Church’s responsibility to listen with sensitivity to the voices of the victims on the path towards healing, mutual trust, and reconciliation.
Nos. 57-67 discuss the need for renewal between the various charisms, vocations, and ministries with the ultimate focus on mission. The diverse gifts of the Christian community are fruits of the baptismal dignity, and the nourishment of the Eucharist. In a missionary synodal Church, the members of the People of God work together to promote social justice, human dignity, and participation of women.Special attention should be given to the children, youth, marginalised, and families. Further, consecrated men and women should work together with the laity to permeate and transform the earthly realities with the Gospel. The document also insists that theologians have an important role in deepening the reflections on the synodal way and accompanying the formation of the local Churches in the synodal path.
The last section (68-78) of Part II dwells on the different ministries of the Church and the need for renewal in their interrelationships. Bishops are bestowed with the huge task of being the visible principle of unity within the local Church and a bond of communion with all the Churches. Together with priests, deacons, and the laity, the bishop carries out the task of recognising, discerning, and bringing together in unity the gifts that the Spirit pours out on individuals and communities of the local Church. Calling for a greater role of the laity in the choice of bishops, the document calls for greater affinity between the bishop and the local Church over which he presides.
Priests constitute an important part of the one presbyterium and are called to collaborate with their bishops in discerning charisms and accompanying the
local Church. Solidarity between priests from dioceses, religious orders and congregations helps achieve a genuine exchange of gifts in the service of the Church’s mission. Deacons exercise their ministry in the service of charity, and proclamation, together with promoting a culture and lifestyle of service. The document also observes that bishops, priests, and deacons need accompaniment and support in their ministry.
The document also highlights the role of laymen and women in the ministry of the Church and calls for the spirit of collaboration and differentiated co-responsibility. As the synodal experience shows, the future synodal path depends on the participation of laymen and women in the discernment and decision-making processes, access to positions of responsibility, and mutual accompaniment. May the accompaniment of the Blessed Mother in our continued march in the synodal path help us mature in our synodal relationships.
George Antonysamy,
Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore