Paul, this San Antonio initiative looks very good. Thanks for the involvement. .I've been wondering if you, Mike and Dominic have some thoughts on the capacity of U.S. Catholics to be a synodal church. My impression is that we are far too reluctant to discuss anything at length. I've been thinking it is because we have such variety in our formations that we lack a common language. Also there is a presupposition that Catholics all believe the same thinng so no one wants to say out loud that they do not believe it. We have not been free to speak honestly. What do you think about the chances for synodality among us?
If you're asking if I'm optimistic that synodality will take hold in the US Church, unfortunately, I'm not. I think there is a lot of fear of losing power, ecclesial power and political power, that will stifle a lot of synodality efforts coming from Church leadership. However, I think synodality is very possible on an individual, family, and community (local or online) level. And I think there's a lot of it happening organically.
Thanks for responding, Paul. I'm afraid you may be right about leadership. I was also asking about your experience with lay Catholics. I hear you saying "possible" and "a lot of it happening" so I guess our conversation groups are very different. I've been hobnobbing with "progressive" Catholics, identifying strongly, if not explicitly, with the conciliar school of theology comin out of Vatica II. There are groups very much into contemplative prayer and groups very much into social justice--all very good. There are also groups wourking on specific issues like inclusion of women. But I do not hear many talking about reforming Church structures to support Eucharistic communities that value and includes all aspects of Gospel-centered life. The "totality" as I think Dominic calls it. See wjat I mea? Thanks for being the Pope Francis Generation.
One example of synodal conversations that come to my mind are the conversations I’m having, and the ones I’m hearing about, concerning prioritizing abuse survivors and the vulnerable. This issue attracts a wide range of political and theological positions, but all finding a common cause.
So maybe it’s specific issues like this that will foster synodality?
Yes! I know what you mean. In a gospel-centered Church there will be people with different ministries and different specific issues., and synodality is hearing from all of them. Maybe you are right that the ministry for the Ecclesial vision--the totality--will rise out of synodality. Here's hoping
Paul, this San Antonio initiative looks very good. Thanks for the involvement. .I've been wondering if you, Mike and Dominic have some thoughts on the capacity of U.S. Catholics to be a synodal church. My impression is that we are far too reluctant to discuss anything at length. I've been thinking it is because we have such variety in our formations that we lack a common language. Also there is a presupposition that Catholics all believe the same thinng so no one wants to say out loud that they do not believe it. We have not been free to speak honestly. What do you think about the chances for synodality among us?
If you're asking if I'm optimistic that synodality will take hold in the US Church, unfortunately, I'm not. I think there is a lot of fear of losing power, ecclesial power and political power, that will stifle a lot of synodality efforts coming from Church leadership. However, I think synodality is very possible on an individual, family, and community (local or online) level. And I think there's a lot of it happening organically.
Thanks for responding, Paul. I'm afraid you may be right about leadership. I was also asking about your experience with lay Catholics. I hear you saying "possible" and "a lot of it happening" so I guess our conversation groups are very different. I've been hobnobbing with "progressive" Catholics, identifying strongly, if not explicitly, with the conciliar school of theology comin out of Vatica II. There are groups very much into contemplative prayer and groups very much into social justice--all very good. There are also groups wourking on specific issues like inclusion of women. But I do not hear many talking about reforming Church structures to support Eucharistic communities that value and includes all aspects of Gospel-centered life. The "totality" as I think Dominic calls it. See wjat I mea? Thanks for being the Pope Francis Generation.
Maybe my bar is set differently?
One example of synodal conversations that come to my mind are the conversations I’m having, and the ones I’m hearing about, concerning prioritizing abuse survivors and the vulnerable. This issue attracts a wide range of political and theological positions, but all finding a common cause.
So maybe it’s specific issues like this that will foster synodality?
Yes! I know what you mean. In a gospel-centered Church there will be people with different ministries and different specific issues., and synodality is hearing from all of them. Maybe you are right that the ministry for the Ecclesial vision--the totality--will rise out of synodality. Here's hoping