By Martin Hoegger*
Castelgandolfo, 28 March 2025. The Catholic Church Synod on the theme of ‘Synodality’ held in Rome in October 2023 and 2024 had an ecumenical dimension through the presence of delegates from other Churches. As part of the Focolare Movement Congress, five participants in this Synod shared their experience and the impact it had on their own Church.
The presence of the ‘fraternal delegates’
The presence of sixteen ‘fraternal delegates’ from other Churches was an event in itself. On several occasions, Pope Francis stated that there is ‘no synodality without ecumenism’. Margaret KARRAM, president of the Focolare Movement, had an experience of the universal Church through their presence that broadened her perspective. She considers this synod as ‘an appointment with history’.
Khajag BARSAMIAN, bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was also enriched by the brothers and sisters in Christ from so many different contexts, but united by a common faith. Similarly, the communion with Pope Francis, present throughout the synod, reinforced this approach. ‘This synod was a moment of grace that stimulated my commitment to the Church and reminded me that I belong to a community that is vibrant in Christ,’ he said.
Dirk Lange represented the Lutheran World Federation and was touched by the community dimension of the synod. ’Being around a round table brought us together and everything was anchored in prayer.’ The emphasis was placed on the priesthood of all believers. And he is grateful that the ‘fraternal delegates’ were able to speak, which was not the case for the ‘observers’ from other Churches during the Second Vatican Council.
The method: ‘conversation in the Spirit’.
Bishop Brendan LEAHY, of Limerick (Ireland), was struck by the fact that more than a thousand amendments were made to the final document. The ‘fraternal delegates’ were also able to do this. He explains the method of this synod: the ‘conversation in the Holy Spirit’. A simple but profound method. Above all, a very relational one. It is first a matter of invoking the Holy Spirit. What does he say on a particular subject? A few minutes of silence are taken to listen to him. Then each person is invited to express her perspective. Then there is another moment of silence with the question: what struck you in the other person’s answer? The responses are then given in turn, in a maximum of three minutes. Finally, the last question is: where is the Spirit leading us?
For Elizabeth NEWMAN, delegate of the Baptist World Alliance, this method is above all a process of conversion. This takes time, because unity grows through a common pilgrimage, like that of Emmaus. Political polarisation is very strong in the churches in the USA. Ecclesial differences fade in the face of political competition. But synodality reminds her of the need to build trust. ‘When we are together in Christ, we can trust each other’.
This method is not a democratic and parliamentary process, recognises D. LANGE. It has made it possible to find another way, even in matters where there was disagreement. The Holy Spirit is allowed to break down barriers and to experience a Church that is more committed to communion. ‘If the conversation in the Spirit had taken place in the 16th century, there would have been no division,’ he exclaims!
M. KARRAM notes that this method has given her the experience of a ‘relational Church’, where relationships have deepened. This journey can also be experienced at the local level. The important thing is not to do more, but to change style and mentality, by learning to collaborate more. In the Focolare Movement, this method is not entirely new. When Chiara Lubich spoke of ‘making oneself one’ and listening to the voice of the Spirit, it is in line with this method.
What influence has the method of this synod had on the Churches?
D. LANGE points out that this experience has inspired the Lutheran World Federation to ask itself how it can better be a communion. What does it mean to be in communion? That is the essential question today.
B. LEAHY has trained people in ‘synodality’ in his diocese. He wants to experience the dynamics of it: listening, setting aside judgement, welcoming, emphasising what is positive. He believes that in the future there will be more communal forms of discernment. This is something new in the Catholic Church. Moreover, this synod has highlighted the presence of the risen Jesus: ‘the Church is the space where he manifests himself. We must open our doors to him, because he acts to save our relationships, not just our souls,’ he says.
The opening prayer was very important for Elizabeth NEWMAN. The fact that the president of the Baptist World Alliance was next to Pope Francis had a great impact. She understood what ‘faithful synodality’ is, based on the fact that our point of view should not prevail. Winning and losing take on a different meaning when we place ourselves in the mystery of Christ who gave up his life to reconcile us. For her, this synod was ‘an experience of transformation’.
Khajag BARSAMIAN notes that the final document speaks of a ‘spiritual ecumenism’ and calls for a broadening of the mission to face so many new challenges. The mutual respect experienced in this synod prepares the future and a greater collaboration to live the message of Christ’s love. ‘What unites us is the risen Christ. We must put him at the centre of everything and be united in essentials, as St Augustine wished, who said: ‘In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity’, he concluded.
The courage of hope
The final word in this fine round table discussion was given to M. KARRAM, who sees this synod as a sign of hope. The presence of the ‘fraternal delegates’ demonstrates the long road travelled by the Catholic Church. A great step has been taken; it has become a relational Church. This must be communicated in every direction. It gives hope that unity is not so far away.
‘As Christians, we know that hope is a virtue. Together with faith, it is linked to love. The more we love, the more we hope. This meeting is a small sign of hope. We must help each other not to despair, and being together gives us the courage to hope.’
*Martin Hoegger is a Swiss reformed theologian and writer
Photo: From left to right, Elisabeth Newman, Brendan Leahy, Margaret Karram, Khajag Barsamian and the moderator of the round table. Dirk Lange participated in the debate by video conference.
Other articles from this conference ‘Called to Hope’
———-
First published in this link of The European Times.
