World Synod: “There are very heated discussions”

Theologian Söding provides insight into the course of the World Synod

“There are very heated discussions”

The theologian Thomas Söding is taking part as an expert and moderator at the World Synod of Bishops in Rome. He explains how the discussions have gone so far and why this world synod is so different. At the same time, it dampens expectations that are too high.

DOMRADIO.DE: Professor Söding, you are an expert and moderator at this World Synod of Bishops. How do you experience the synod?

Prof. Dr. Thomas Söding (Vice President of the Central Committee of German Catholics / ZdK): The Synod has now started. I would say that the start has been successful, the topic has been taken up.

There is a certain joyful expectation, but still tension, as to whether it will actually be possible to concentrate on this somewhat difficult but important topic of Synodality.

DOMRADIO.DE: You have already taken part in several synods. What's different this time?

Söding: What is different is that this time it is not just bishops who have a seat and a vote and that this sign has had an effect.

80 other people – a seventh of the participants – are women. Now you can say that that is far too little. But in any case, the face of this synod has become significantly different.

It is other people who speak. There are also other topics that are set. So it was only a first step, but an important one.

DOMRADIO.DE: How does the new seating arrangement in table groups change communication?

Söding: It's an impressive picture when so-called lay people, cardinals and bishops from all over the world sit together at these many tables, divided into language groups.

You have, so to speak, the person reporting from your group right in front of you. The Pope also sits in such a group. I think that's a very successful sign.

Thomas Söding

"There are very heated discussions. But there is also a lot of professional respect."

DOMRADIO.DE: How are the Germans received here? There were heated discussions beforehand.

Söding: There are very heated discussions. But of course there is also a lot of professional respect.

The people who spoke out loudly were those who criticized. But the many who agree were a little quieter.

In addition, it now suddenly becomes clear what the "Instrumentum Laboris" had shown: the topics that are being discussed in Germany are topics that are discussed worldwide.

This is now confirmed. The solutions are certainly different, but as a theologian from Germany I am now in the group of experts and fully recognized and respected there.

World Synod 2021-2024

With the World Synod, Pope Francis has created something new in the Catholic Church. For the first time, non-bishops and non-priests will have the right to vote at a synod on a large scale, including women.

The content should primarily be about new ways of involving the church base in important decisions in the Catholic Church. Although for the first time non-ordained men and women also have the right to vote, under canon law it is a Synod of Bishops.

DOMRADIO.DE: What's important is that - as the Pope also said - we always listen to each other and have a good dialogue. Can you perhaps give an example where this might also be difficult?

Söding: Yes, it's difficult because we simply have different habits in different languages.

A word like Synodality alone means something different where, for example, Orthodoxy is very strong in the neighborhood on the one hand or Protestantism on the other.

Therefore, with this central concept of Synodality, on the one hand, one must strengthen the ecumenical resonances, from which the Catholic Church can learn a lot.

But on the other hand, you also have to see clearly: This is what is typically Catholic, i.e. Synodality with the Pope, Synodality with the bishops, but now also Synodality with the entire church people.

This is the crucial point: How do we come to a common understanding? And the truth is out there. We then have to go into the specifics.

DOMRADIO.DE: Does a look at the Bible help – and the Pope also recommended this to all delegates? What do you as a biblical scholar say about this?

Söding: Looking at the Bible is of course important and it is also intensive. It is the case that here the biblical texts are rather in the background. They are part of the liturgy, which is good.

There are sermons or short speeches, that is also good. The method of spiritual conversation has certain similarities with Bible sharing. But it is not the case that arguments are made from the Bible. But the Bible is important as a background, so to speak.

For this idea that the Church comes together to talk about faith, that some do not know everything and others only have to learn everything, that is the original awakening that shaped Christianity in the first place and made it strong.

So I think there is still more to come. But that will also be the task of the theology group, to once again strengthen the biblical sounding board.

DOMRADIO.DE: The departure has been successful. If you now have a wish, where does the Synod have to move clearly?

Söding: It must now continue to be clear in its perception of problems. It must not indulge in any illusions.

Thomas Söding

"On the other hand, one must also say quite clearly from the beginning: a Synod is not a council."

I know that the idea that the church is a happy family is great and has a strong appeal for many.

But it is by no means the only image that the Bible gives to the Church - so please, no illusions, but remain critical and become constructive.

On the other hand, one must also say quite clearly from the beginning: a synod is not a council.

It is not possible not only to discuss every dogmatic problem here, but also to solve them or to change Canon Law here and now.

What is necessary and important, however, is that these problems that the Church has are not swept under the carpet - keyword systemic structures of abuse.

These problems must be spoken out clearly and solutions must be found.

Source