Biblical Orientations for Synodality

Abstract

The present article discusses how the Sacred Scripture reflects a walking together of God and the Israelites, Jesus and the disciples, and the early Christians. It enquires whether a process of synodal decision-making, discussions, and deliberations and the principle of co-responsibility in decision-making existed in Judaism and in the early Church. The Bible strongly affirms that synodality is fundamental to the Church’s nature. From the beginning, Jesus and his disciples functioned synodally and these principles were practiced in the early Church. Jesus as “the Way” guided the early Church which was filled with the Holy Spirit. Synodality represents a collective journey, with Jesus embracing all people of God regardless of status or gifts to fulfil their mission. New Testament writers depicted Jesus as a journeying, inclusive and dialogical figure. Today’s Church is called to emulate Jesus’ methods of encounter, listening, and discernment, embodying true synodality.