Synodality and the Recovery of Vatican II

Description

In less than a decade the notion of ‘synodality’ has emerged as a central theme in Catholic life and thought, especially in Catholics’ self-reflection on who they are as the People of God: ecclesiology. The notion of the Church as ‘synodal’ has early roots in the many councils and synods of the early churches, east and west, but now this notion has emerged from the history of canon law to become one that portrays a whole new image of the church. The church, Pope Francis has said, is called to be synodal as it changes its self-perception from being a power pyramid seeking to impose its vision to being a pilgrim people at the service of humanity. But what are the implications of synodality? The synod on synodality in Rome 2023/24 is grappling with this question, but if the notion has any meaning it will require steady examination over a much longer period, it will need to be owned, and it will call for engagement from all parts of the Catholic...