Communion, Participation, and Mission for a Synodal Church: A Critical Analysis of the Preparatory Document of the Synod

Abstract

In the second half of the twentieth century, through divine inspiration, Pope Paul VI instituted the synod of bishops as a permanent institution in the  Church. Synod of Bishops is to enliven the Church and to meet the challenges of a turbulent world. In earlier centuries, synods were the patrimony of the  hierarchies of the Church – the Bishops, Cardinals, and the Supreme Pontiff. But today, the Church has become one global family and synods have  included all members of the divine family to participate collaboratively in synodal discussion for the spiritual, moral, and general well-being of each  member according to each one's state of life. Hence the Church is fully becoming a synodal church that listens to the voices of clerics, consecrated  persons, and laity. To enable appropriate discussion that would lead to the spiritual and moral growth of the family of God, His Holiness. Pope Francis  developed a preparatory document. This document is a guiding star toward the 2023 General Assembly or Synod. Everyone entrusted with this synodal  process should critically analyze this document with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.