The General Secretariat of the Synod has released the first part of two reports that “touch the heart of ecclesial life”, according to the Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod. Study Group No. 7 focuses on the criteria for the selection of candidates for the episcopate, while Study Group No. 9 proposes synodal methodologies to address emerging doctrinal, pastoral and ethical issues.
Selection of bishops
The first document reminds us that choosing a bishop is a moment of authentic community discernment, and the second offers tools for facing the Church's most complex challenges with transparency and dialogue.
The first part, the only one published, of the Group 7 report highlights the importance of diocesan discernment processes, involving bishops, pastoral councils, lay people, youth and dedicated people. It also proposes synodal competencies for candidates for the episcopate, such as the ability to build communion, dialogue and a deep knowledge of local cultures.
Management of emerging issues
For its part, Group 9, whose report has been published in full, emphasizes a shift in focus to “emerging” rather than “controversial” issues, and promotes the principle of pastoralism, which consists of always considering the interlocutor and the work of the Spirit in him or her. The document sets out a three-step method: listening to oneself, listening to reality and gathering knowledge, applicable to issues such as the experience of people homosexuals and active nonviolence in social contexts.
Both groups will continue to deepen the remaining topics, such as the judicial function of the bishop, the “ad limina apostolorum» visits and the formation of bishops, always seeking a synodal and missionary approach that strengthens ecclesial communion.
