Towards A Synodal Church—Moral Implications

Abstract

From the very beginning, synodality belongs to the genetics of Christianity and it has permeated all the basic dimensions of the Church from its local to its universal existence. At the same time, centralization, clericalism, and hierarchicalism have existed side by side, in practice making the members of the Church unequal, and distorting the synodal nature of the Church and disrupting dialogue and participation of all the faithful. One of the greatest ecclesiological contributions of the Second Vatican Council is the re-discovery of the communion, and collegial character of the Church. According to Pope Francis, synodality is an essential dimension of the Church. A synodal Church assures the participation of each member—women and men, young and old—without discriminating anyone, listens to one another, learning from one another, taking responsibility for proclaiming the Gospel. It is about a path taken together, People of God walking together, under the guidance of the Risen Lord, led by the Holy Spirit. It has to be also remembered that the moral implications of synodality refers not only to particular actions, but above all to attitudes, perspectives and perception.