NEWSWATCH | KAIROS GLOBAL | DECEMBER 2023

Author:Sam Biju

Synod on Synodality off with a fiery start

The first session in the universal phase of the synod on synodality began on 4 October 2023^.. The process has been highly controversial since its beginning, with varying opinions and criticisms about the implementation and steps.

An Overview of the Synod on Synodality

What is it: Synodality has been understood as the walk of Christians with Christ toward the Kingdom, together with all humanity, whose orientation is towards mission, and its practice involves gathering in assembly at each level of ecclesial life. The Synod on Synodality is a multiyear, worldwide undertaking during which Catholics were asked to submit feedback to their local dioceses on the question ‘What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?’ The process originally began in October 2021, and has been implemented in various phases.

The phases: The process is set to take place in three phases. The first one was called the local phase, wherein discussions took place on the diocesan level under the guidance of the local bishop. The associated bishop’s conference then assembled to discuss further, based on the inputs from preceding discussions. All these contributions were sent to the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, along with additions from Catholic universities and theology faculties. The General Secretariat then prepares the first Instrumentum Laboris, which was used in the subsequent phases.

The Instrumentum Laboris mentioned above is then used in the second phase, the continental phase. Here, the bishops of a given continent meet together and engage in dialogue based on contributions from the Instrumentum Laboris of the local phase. From these discussions and contributions from each continent, a second Instrumentum Laboris is prepared by the General Secretariat.

The third phase, or the universal phase, will take place at Vatican in two sessions. The first session began in October 2023. The final session will take place in October 2024. The second Instrumentum Laboris will serve as a basis for these sessions.

Participants of the universal phase: Members appointed or elected to participate in the final sessions will be attending the final phase. For the first time in history of synods, this will also include lay people in decision making. The names of some of these participants sparked controversy when made public. This included the American Jesuit priest Fr James Martin SJ, who is well known for his controversial approach in ministering to LGBTQ Catholics. There are around 450 total participants including the voting and non-voting members. 

Hot topics: The Instrumentum Laboris addresses a lot of topics which have divided Catholics for a few decades. Perhaps the most debated topic today is the Catholic Church’s response to LGBTQ issues. Although the main concern is regarding a better and more pastoral approach to guide those people who experience such attractions, some within the Church demand for a change in Church’s long standing view on the sin of homosexuality itself, and a more tolerant attitude towards the people who engage in those acts, which the Church has always condemned. Other controversial issues include the ordination of female deacons, priestly celibacy and the involvement of lay people within Church authority. 

Return of the Dubia Cardinals

On 1 October, the eve of the gatherings in Rome, a request was made public with far reaching implications on the Synod meetings to begin. An initial draft of five questions (or dubia) -  signed by Cardinal Walter Brandmüller, Cardinal Raymond Burke, Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, Cardinal Robert Sarah and Cardinal Joseph Zen – was presented on 10 July to Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrer, the then Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The doubts addressed the topics of development of doctrine, blessing of same-sex unions, ordination of women as priests and deacons and the necessity of repentance for validity of sacramental absolution. The original response by the Pope was revealed to not be in the customary ‘yes’ or ‘no’ format, and did not resolve the doubts raised by the cardinals. As a result, a revised set of dubia was once again submitted. 

The original response by Pope Francis was released before the commencement of the Synod. Regarding the blessings of same-sex sexual unions, the Pope maintained that there is no question regarding the Catholic Church’s understanding of marriage: that is an exclusive, stable and indissoluble union between a man and a women, naturally open to procreation. However, when dealing with people in other types of union, pastoral prudence necessitates discernment of appropriate form of blessings, which do not convey a marriage. Regarding development of doctrine, it was made clear that what has been divinely revealed and necessary for salvation does not change. But in the light of different cultures and situations, a better expression of some teachings can be discerned based on what is essential for salvation and things not directly connected to this goal. Regarding only male priesthood, the Pope wrote that Church’s established teaching on the matter must be accepted by all, but could be the subject of study. Finally, with regards to validity of sacramental absolution, the Pope again affirmed the necessity of repentance, but to make room in pastoral care for the unconditional love of God. 

Although the dubia created a controversy, Cardinal Raymond Burke later clarified that the move was aimed neither at the pope’s person nor his agenda, but merely at safeguarding the Church’s perennial doctrine. 

What is next?

This synod on synodality has been billed as the most important Catholic gathering since the Second Vatican Council. The synthesis report also describes the Synod as ‘a true act of reception of the Council, prolonging its inspiration and relaunching its prophetic force for today’s world.’

The first session of this synod, which began on the 2 October concluded on 28 October. The discussions have been summarised in a 42-page synthesis report has been drafted titled ‘A synodal Church in mission’. Many other significant topics such as liturgical language, connections between Rome and the Eastern Catholic Churches, Eucharistic hospitality, role of the laity, role of bishops in a synodal church and formation of priests and deacons are also addressed. Perhaps the biggest difference in approach to most issues in this synod is the greater application of human and social sciences, philosophical reflection along with theological elaborations. The final and conclusive session is set to take place next October.

Vatican allows Canonisation process for 35 martyrs of Kandhamal, India

The cause for Kanteshwar Digal and his friends, who were killed for their faith during the 2008 anti-Christian riots in Kandhamal, Odisha, to be canonised has been authorised by the Vatican, which is a significant development. 

There were 24 men and 11 women among the 35 martyrs. The 34th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI, which convened from January 24–30, 2023, resolved to grant the proposal of the Most Rev John Barwa, SVD, Archbishop of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, to begin the process of canonising the martyrs of Kandhamal. The Dicastery for the Cause of Saints has awarded the Nihil Obstat, indicating that there is no objection to starting the process of beatifying Kanteshwar Digal and Companions, following serious thought and spiritual discernment. The Dicastery for the Cause of Saints in Rome has granted the Nihil Obstat, which states that there are no moral or doctrinal barriers to studying the life, virtues, and holiness of God's Servant Kanteshwar Digal and Companions.

Kandhamal district, 150-250 miles southwest of the Odisha capital, Bhubaneswar, witnessed the worst anti-Christian violence in modern times beginning in August 2008 following the mysterious murder of Hindu nationalist monk Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in his hermitage in Kandhamal. The murder was quickly declared a ‘Christian conspiracy’ by groups of Hindu nationalists and the body of the slain Hindu leader was taken across Kandhamal in a funeral procession for two days as calls for revenge on Christians were made. Violence against the Odisha Christians broke out and at least 64,000 people were displaced and over 100 people lost their lives. In the district, 6,000 Christian homes were demolished, more than 300 churches were destroyed, and 56,000 people were left homeless. 

Sam Biju completed his bachelor studies in engineering from India. He is currently pursuing his masters in Germany.