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Synod of Synodality

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The 2021-2023 Synod on Synodality: Key Documents

Key Theological Background: A deeper exploration of the theology of synodality.

  • International Theological Commission, “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church,” (2018): https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_20180302_sinodalita_en.html
    • This twenty-five-page document provides a deeper theological engagement with synodality and its significance for the mission of the Church. The four chapters cover: 1) Synodality in Scripture, Tradition, and Church history; 2) The theology of synodality in light of Vatican II; 3) The structure of synodality at all levels in the Church; 4) The spiritual and pastoral conversion to listening and discernment necessary for synodality to characterize the Church.

Presentations/Podcast Resources:

  • La Civiltà Cattolica English Synodality Series
    • You can find this free podcast on Google, Apple, Spotify, etc. The Synodality Series offers short, 20-minute conversations with theological and practical information about synodality.
  • The Tablet Webinar with Sr. Nathalie Becquart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf4ixP21R6U
    • Sr. Natalie, who serves as the undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, offers a brief, 14-minute explanation of synodality in light of the vision of Pope Francis.
  • “From Episcopal Collegiality to Ecclesial Synodality,” Dr. Massimo Faggioli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31KMA5kZVD0
    • Dr. Faggioli, a leading Church historian, offers a more in-depth 30-minute presentation on the historical development from Vatican II to our current moment of synodality. The presentation is followed by a longer Q&A.

Articles: Brief explorations of key aspects of synodality