German subversion of intent of Vatican letter

Together on the Path to the "Synodal Church"

Together on the way to a synodal church - Meeting of the diocesan councils of Germany confirms the continuation of the Synodal Way

In September 2022, the delegates of the Synodal Way voted for the establishment of a committee that will prepare the Synodal Council.

In contrast, the Vatican Secretariat of State clarified in its letter of 23 January that neither the Synodal Path, nor any body appointed by it, nor the Bishops' Conference had the authority to establish Synodal Councils at the national, diocesan and parish levels. Such councils would call into question the authority of the bishops and thus weaken the episcopate.

Pope Francis has described the task of bishops thus: "For the bishop will ... at times place himself at the head to indicate the way ... at other times he will simply be in the midst of all ... and on some occasions he will walk behind the people to help those who have fallen behind, and - above all - because the flock itself has its flair for finding new ways." (EG31)

The conference of chairpersons, executive directors and ZdK (Central Committee of German Catholic Laity) members from the diocesan councils, which met in Passau on 3-4 February 2023, supports further steps towards the formation of the Synodal Committee and Council as well as Synodal Councils in the individual dioceses. The aim is to promote a lived culture of joint deliberation and decision-making, in which transparency and separation of powers can be realised as an expression of synodality.  Synodality strengthens the bishops and does not weaken them.

Some Dioceses are already on the way to introducing synodal councils or have had such structures for years.  We encourage all to follow this path towards a Synodal Church. This is not contrary to the content of the Roman letter, since each local bishop can establish such a council for his diocese by virtue of his authority. We are gladly accompanying our bishops on the path to a synodal Church.

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Cathcon:  why not Councils of Councils?  Or a Council of Councils of Councils.  Only to emphasise this is a political process associated with the seizure of power that excludes the Holy Spirit. Synods do not have jurisdiction but bishops do. 

After the Revolution, the perpetual revolution....if they got all they wanted, they would wake up one morning and discover they had lost the Faith along the Synodal Path.