“Having reported on all the synods since 1985,” Gerard O’Connell writes, “I have come to believe that this synod could well be the most transformative event in the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council.”
Synod on Synodality
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Every American going to the Synod on Synodality: Full list and analysis
The slate of delegates is emblematic of the at-times competing ideological poles of the U.S. church—and the continued effort by Francis to reorient U.S. bishops toward his vision for the church.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Pope Francis taps Father James Martin for Synod on Synodality
“I’m honored to be invited by the Holy Father to participate in the Synod,” Father James Martin said. “As a Jesuit, I’m committed to this kind of group discernment.”
Posted inFaith, Last Take
The synod has taught me: Catholics are not as divided as the skeptics thought
I have learned more about the church than I could ever have imagined, and the synod process has come to seem even more urgent and fruitful.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
The most important takeaway from the synod (so far) is something you’ve never heard of
News reports, to the chagrin of the synod office, have focused primarily on the questions of the ordination of married men and women deacons—questions on which it invites discussion but makes no recommendations.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
Podcast: Unpacking the Synod on Synodality’s working document
Colleen and Gerry unpack the Synod on Synodality’s working document and the clues it provides about the synod’s first global meeting in October.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vatican releases Synod document calling for discussion of women, LGBT Catholics, church authority and more
The synod’s working document, released at the Vatican on June 20, highlights three priorities for building a synodal church: communion, mission and participation.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Will the US bishops discuss Catholics’ top priorities at their June meeting?
The U.S. Catholic bishops are meeting in Orlando, Florida, next week for three days of prayer and business. If you were asked by your local bishop what topics they should discuss, what would you suggest?
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis on Pentecost: Synod is journey in the Spirit, not ‘a parliament’
In his homily for Pentecost Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica May 28, the pope said that the Holy Spirit is “the heart of synodality and the driving force of evangelization.”
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Confession: the underappreciated sacrament we need to build a listening church
It is within the sacred space of the sacrament of reconciliation that someone can come to be heard.