If we truly believe that the church includes all the baptized, we need better systems of transparency and accountability so that the laity might truly participate co-responsibly in our church.

The influence of the Synod on Synodality for the conclave—and what the result of the conclave might mean for the future of synodality

At the Synod on Synodality, the cardinals were ‘converted’ to working together in a new way. As they join their brothers in the conclave, they face a referendum on—and resistance to—their work.

As a Black person who sometimes ministers in predominantly white parishes, I can appreciate how easy it is to feel out of place. It makes all the difference to hear words of welcome.

And remember, it’s not about you.

Reflecting on the final document of the synod, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon proposes four marks of a synodal church: relating, listening, discerning and self-emptying.