The National Synthesis summing up the Synodal process in England and Wales reports an “awakening in the faithful of a desire for discipleship.”
Newsroom (28/06/2022 8:35 PM Gaudium Press) The National Synodal process in England and Wales, which began in October 2021, comes to an end with the publication of the National Synthesis on Monday evening. This Synthesis is the result of the consultation of thousands of people and just as many pages of diocesan reports as the groundwork for this document.
Members of the hierarchy and representatives of the Diocesan Synodal process took part in a National Synod Day on 1 June to give feedback on the first draft of the Synthesis prepared by a 9-member team.
Highlights from the National Synthesis
Some highlights from the final version of the National Synthesis are the number of quotations included from diocesan reports; an overview of the Synodal process, frank discussions on the wounds the Church bears coupled with an evident “passion for the Church,” a tremendous thirst for formation to participate actively in the Church’s mission; acknowledgement of the need for transformation and conversion in the Church to live up to its mission; the inclusion of the voices of “marginalized groups” within the Church; and a profound desire to continue the synodal journey that this synodal process has begun.
In short, the Synthesis Document summed up the synod experience as “Coming out of the pandemic, the synod has opened a new horizon and direction for the Church in England and Wales, awakening in the faithful a desire for discipleship and the call for a new way of living and thinking that deepens communion, enables participation, and equips all for mission. It is an invitation that must be acted on, lest the hope the Spirit kindled in the hearts of the faithful grow faint.”
This report and a response from the Bishops of England and Wales currently being written will move forward to the regional European level. The report will also be sent to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. All reports received will contribute to the draft of the Instrumentum Laboris for the next Synod of Bishops.
(Via Vatican News)
Compiled by Raju Hasmukh