Synodality within Argyll & the Isles
Synodality forms part of Papal Teaching
The 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops lasted for three years (2021-24), the topic being synodality. At the end of the Second Assembly in Rome (October 24) Pope Francis accepted the delegates’ Final Document and made it part of the Papal Magisterium. Therefore, our diocese is committed to “make choices consistent” with implementing the Final Document’s proposals, albeit within our own context (which is not an excuse for watering it down). The synodal process must continue beyond the Assembly!
What is Synodality?
Synodality is not a new invention. The word synodality might be new to us but it is not a modern concept. Our word ‘synod’ derives from the Greek word meaning ‘to walk together’. Our Christian understanding is that the People of God walks together towards God. We are not simply walking together as we please but rather journeying towards God. Therefore, we must be open to his guidance.
Synodality is rooted in the Trinity and natural to the Church
In the Trinity we see the perfect relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinity draws us into a personal relationship with the divine and, flowing from that, into a new relationship with each other. Synodality is natural to Church. It is true that at certain points in the Church’s history synodal practices were more obvious than at other times, but they never completely disappeared. The Acts of the Apostles reveals that synodal meetings took place in Jerusalem while both Peter and Paul were accountable for their ministries. The faith was brought to us by Irish monks. Monasticism has many synodal practices. For Celtic peoples the value of kinship was greatly valued. The family is where most of us first encountered synodal values.
We must not restrict our understanding of synodality to meetings and decisions. Today throughout our diocese synodality is experienced when clergy or laity accompany the sick, the bereaved, support families, engage with the youth or elderly and reach out to those left behind. These are just a few examples of synodal activities which abound throughout our diocese. Synodality also exists when we gather in worship. Another form of synodality is when we discuss together in our clergy Deanery Meetings, Council of Priests, Safeguarding, Finance, Parish Pastoral Councils and Diocesan Pastoral Council. Such gatherings should not be mere business meetings but spiritual experiences where communally we seek the Spirit’s guidance. I have asked that all our clergy meetings begin with Lectio Divina for prayerful reflection on the Scripture will, over time, help us to become more receptive to the Spirit. This is also why parish meetings should begin with Lectio too.
Led by the Spirit
For the past two years we have journeyed through a diocesan discernment process – Led by the Spirit – which is essentially synodal in nature. We have had periods of prayers, open meetings between every parish and the bishop, three rounds of consultation and an implementation stage. Presently commissions are being formed to develop our discerned diocesan priorities. A Diocesan Pastoral Council is being formed and Parish Pastoral Councils are strongly encouraged. These are all opportunities for communal discernment. Our Diocesan Synodal Team will help further develop synodality across our diocese. To find out more about Led by the Spirit visit our Led by the Spirit website..
