Bishops' Synod, Peoples' Synod

An international synod of Bishops will meet in Rome during the month of October to consider the role of the bishop. The President of the U.S. Bishops conference, Joseph Fiorenza believes the synod "will be the most important synodal meeting since the council because, among other episcopal issues, it will give important attention to episcopal collegiality...This synod is expected to discuss what is perceived by some to be the over centralization of authority in the Roman Curia."

At the same time Catholic reform movements from all over the world have started a "Synod in the Internet." The shadow synod at www.shadow-synod.net will discuss the role and work of the diocesan bishop, appraise the present situation of the Church and set objectives for the future. All members of the church are invited to respond and if possible start a dialogue with their own bishop. Between October 4 and 7 all input from the shadow synod will be collated and delivered to the Bishops in time for them to consider it before the Synod's close on October 27.

According to spokesperson Christian Weisner, the group is "following the invitation of the 'Lineamenta' document of the Bishops' Synod: "Together with many open-minded bishops, cardinals and theologians we ask for substantial reforms that take into consideration latest theological thinking." Over 300 groups and networks from all over the world have given support to the peoples' synod which was convened by the European Network -Church on the Move and the worldwide International Movement We are Church.

Elected U.S. members to the international Bishops' synod include: Bishop Joseph Fiorenza (Galveston-Houston), Vice president of U.S. bishops conference, Bishop Wilton Gregory (Belleville, IL), Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore and Cardinal Francis George of Chicago. U.S.members appointed by the Pope are Cardinal Edmond Szoka, governor of Vatican city, Archbishop Justin F. Rigali of St. Louis, Ukrainian Archbishop Stefan Soroka of Philadelphia and Auxiliary Bishop Robert P. Maginnis of Philadelphia.

 

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