Over 100 non-diocesan groups submitted their own synodal "synthesis" reports to the U.S. bishops. These Catholics participated in their own listening sessions for the grassroots consultation ahead of the 2023 Synod of Bishops in Rome.
A review of more than a dozen synodal reports from U.S. dioceses participants appreciate the opportunity to be heard, even if they harbor misgivings about what the Synod on Synodality will ultimately accomplish.
A recent criticism of synodality by a longtime critic of Pope Francis only shows the degree to which conservatives fear the process may change the church.
The church's process of synodality is positioned to capture the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of young people as they navigate uncertainty, transcend traditional religious boundaries and encounter a sense of wholeness.
A recent conference on Pope Francis' 2016 Amoris Laetitia illustrated the stark contrast between countries with episcopal conferences more inclined to support Francis and those skeptical of his reforms.
The synodal process benefits from embracing a Catholic worldview rather than ideology. The ability to resist ideology is absolutely necessary if the synodal process is to create a more vibrant and faithful church.
A Vatican commitment to develop and build bridges will work best when students are welcomed and fully invested in further synodal encounters, dialogues and actions.
Michael Sean Winters: It is frankly shocking that the U.S. bishops' conference has done so little to help the bishops and people of the church in this country prepare for this synodal process. But their inertia needn't be ours. Start by rereading documents of the Second Vatican Council.
