SHU Panel Discusses Synod Experience

Panelists say participants freely entertained diverse viewpoints and topics

Sacred Heart University’s Center for Catholic Studies recently convened a virtual panel, “The Synod: What Happened? What Didn’t? What’s Next?” to discuss the outcome of the latest synod of bishops in Rome.

In the Catholic Church, the synod of bishops traditionally is an advisory body that assists the pope in exercising his duties. Founded by Pope Paul VI in 1965, the synod typically meets to resolve questions of discipline or administration.

The Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, referred to as the synod on synodality, just concluded in Rome after a month-long session (preceded by two years of preparation). Its theme was, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission.” The gathering has been viewed as the acme of Pope Francis’ papacy and the most important event in the Church in more than 60 years. According to reports, 364 people participated.

Michael W. Higgins, SHU professor emeritus and senior fellow at the University of Toronto’s Massey College, moderated the talk at SHU. The panel included Christopher White, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter; Catherine E. Clifford, professor of systematic and historical theology at St. Paul University in Ottawa, ON, Canada, and founding director of the Center for Research on Vatican II and 21st Century Catholicism; and Daniel Rober, associate professor and Catholic studies department chair at SHU.

From the beginning of Pope Francis’ papacy, he expressed a desire to strengthen the collegial aspects of the Church’s governance and create a more synodal Catholic Church, wherein assemblies serve as platforms for open and energetic debate to find consensus. The recent synod comprised not only bishops but also journalists, women and laypeople to foster broader and more open conversations, including once taboo topics.

Clifford, one of 54 women who participated in the synod, said she was “moved that we [women] got to share our concerns with our bishops.” But she lamented that one bishop wondered aloud why women and laypeople were allowed to participate and that it didn’t seem like a traditional synod. 

White expressed concern that the media was asked to reign in their comments by following guidelines the synod provided, but he was thrilled to have access to international voices. He likened the gathering to a “smorgasbord of global Catholicism.”

Rober was impressed that the pope participated in the synod rather than just presiding over it. He suggested the pope’s presence indicated progression and showed that the synod is becoming more of a focus in Church administration. But Rober also was perturbed by criticisms of the synod and its new process, as was the pope, who suggested the inclusion of more people of God enhanced the synod rather than compromised it.

Clifford also commented on the pope’s presence at the synod, noting he attended the beginning of most plenary sessions and those in which groups presented reports. “He was remarkable, his energy, particularly for a man of his age,” she said.

Some people defied guidelines

Higgins wondered if, at the end of the day, people trusted the new process given that some participants “broke rank” and defied synod guidelines. White responded, “Only half a dozen people gave interviews; others attested only to the experience.” He also said the timing of those who gave interviews seemed suspect, such as when they shared thoughts before voting, and added that he would have preferred more respect for the confidential nature of the process.

As to the overall experience, Clifford said, “The atmosphere evolved. It was kind of a school for bishops and was aimed at helping all of us learn how to listen. We have not had spaces for conversations about dissent. We became more of a community as it went further along. We could disagree but still respect each other.”

White said outside events seemed “more muted” than in the past as more people were invited into the synod process. He suggested people seemed to gain confidence because of a growing sense of communion and allowance of input. Rober agreed, saying, “It was clear there was a wider variety of perspectives brought to bear,” and Clifford added that there was transparency and freedom of speech, and agendas were clearly defined. “Everyone loves the Church and may not have all the answers but felt open to discuss,” which she said was contrary to the outside view of the proceeding.

White suggested synodality may become a means to correcting issues within the Church community. Rober concluded, “Francis doesn’t want to govern the Church by executive order. It’s not sustainable; the next person in line can just change things. The pope should set the tone, but we should figure things out together and find ways to go forward.”