Cardinal Grech invited to Germany to discuss the travails of the German Synodal Path. Unaware of why anyone would be hostile to Synod. CathCon list of Episcopal opponents.
A conversation with Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops
"We cannot not be synodal"
He talks of God's will (or does he mean his own?) but there is no reference to Jesus Christ
Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, is pleased by the great commitment of people worldwide to help shape the future of the Church and to make synodality tangible. For him, the focus is on "staying on track with God's will." Confidence in the German Synodal Path remains unbroken. The questions were asked by Anna Mertens, editor of the KNA in Rome.
Mr. Cardinal, to be honest, I find it very difficult to explain to anyone what synodality means. Can you help me?
Cardinal Mario Grech: In his encyclical "Fratelli tutti," Pope Francis attempted to provide answers to a society that is tired of people walking alone and is crying out for help. We live in a time in which individualism is unfortunately frightening. But there is no room for individualism in the Church. We are the People of God, called as a community. By inviting us to be more synodal, the Holy Father is telling us to rediscover what "People of God" truly means. If we can engage with others, if we can develop a more communal spirit, that would be a great step forward. Not only in the Church.
In this sense, is the Synod of Synodality only the beginning of a long, eternal process?
Grech: The Synod is the starting signal. It is an opportunity to reflect on the need to become more synodal as a Church. And to explore what paths there are to become more synodal. Or how we can strengthen existing paths of synodality and make them more effective.
This process has begun. Are you satisfied with the start and the progress?
Grech: Yes, the signals we're receiving from various parts of the world are positive. I think we're on the right track. For example, I was just in Lebanon. And I was surprised by the enthusiasm there. If you ask me if everyone is on board: No. Some dioceses are hesitant. But I haven't given up hope. Little by little, they will join the process. After all, synodality isn't an agenda or additional work. It's in our nature as a Church. We can't be non-synodal.
You have provided the dioceses with documents and guidelines.
Grech: Our task is not to dictate, but to accompany. We want to help our brothers and sisters "put their money where their mouths are." We have an idea, we're making progress, and we're on our way. Some say we've already produced the final document. But that's not true. It's still a blank slate.
Have you already received or read contributions from various dioceses?
Grech: The deadline is in August. So far, we've received some responses from dioceses. And we've received a considerable number of individual contributions. That's also an option. However, we encourage everyone to submit their contribution to the local churches, because the universal Church consists in and of the local churches.
What is your next step?
Grech: Once we have received all the results, we will begin drafting the first document for the continental stage. In the past, the Synod Secretariat entrusted one or two theologians with drafting the document. Instead, I will bring together a group of 24 to 30 experts from around the world. Together, we will go into retreat for two weeks to analyze all the submissions and prepare the first draft of the document, the Instrumentum Laboris, for the next phase. It will be a synodal and spiritual experience.
Have you already selected the members?
Grech: Yes, from all over the world and from different areas. Men and women. Of course. Most of them are already involved in the synodal process.
And after that?
Grech: Once this document has been approved, it will go back to all the bishops. And we ask all bishops to convene those responsible for their synod to reflect on the document in relation to the continental level. Then there will be the continental synodal assemblies. This will take place next year, from January to March. We are planning seven continental meetings. I have also set up a task force to oversee these meetings.
How many people work in the Secretariat?
Grech: There are 14 of us. But I have set up four commissions: the theological, a spiritual, a methodological, and one for communication, with a total of 70 to 80 people. And everyone is very happy to help us.
What feedback are you receiving from the Curia?
Grech: There hasn't been a meeting with the entire Curia yet, but we've tried to visit all the dicasteries. The general response has been quite positive. And all the dicasteries are expected to submit their contributions to the first round. I also know that some of the dicasteries are conducting a synodal process in their own offices, involving all staff. You were recently reminded of this.
Did the same issues always come up on your travels?
Grech: I didn't go into detail with the people I met. Sometimes there are lists of topics. When I travel, I try to listen and encourage, and these people encourage me greatly. Above all, I feel there is great enthusiasm for the Synod.
Why? Because people feel heard?
Grech: Yes, they appreciate that they now have another opportunity to raise their voices. And on a specific topic: for a synodal Church. I expect there will be contributions addressing other topics, but the main theme is: a synodal Church. And I believe that once we become more synodal, we will also be in a better position to address other issues.
What if there is no feedback? What if a diocese doesn't want to participate?
Grech: That will happen. For example, I received a letter informing us that the bishop in a particular diocese is unconvinced and is not organizing the process. But the nuncio in that country was wise enough to reach out directly to the faithful and encourage them to send him their contributions. We are all asked to contribute; no one is excluded.
Let's take a look at the German Synodal Path, which has been underway for some time. There are preliminary results. Have these been presented to you?
Grech: No, no one has officially presented the preliminary results to us. But I understand that. Until June 5, when the Apostolic Constitution "Praedicate evangelium" came into force, we were the "General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops." And in that sense, we were not responsible for a synodal assembly. Only now are we the "General Secretariat for the Synod." This is more than a name change.
Have you read the results so far?
Grech: I try to follow the process. But for me, it's one thing to follow what's published and another to follow what's really going on. It's a process. Perhaps communication in general could have been better. This would have contributed to a better understanding of what's happening in Germany. I have confidence in the Catholic Church in Germany and in the bishops that they know what they're doing.
You have been officially invited to Germany by Bishop Doctor Georg Bätzing. Have you planned your trip yet?
Grech: Not yet. I was officially invited, but at the time, it wasn't possible for me to go.
And will you be traveling to Germany in the foreseeable future?
Grech: I'm not ruling it out.
Is anything holding you back?
Grech: No, absolutely not. I'm in good contact with Bishop Georg Bätzing.
What topics would you like to discuss with the members of the German Synodal Path?
Grech: I don't feel I can participate in the ongoing discussion. I wanted to say the same thing about the Plenary Council in Australia. We must respect the local churches. If we are asked for help, that's a different matter. I would probably emphasize the general principle of synodality in the Catholic Church. There is the mutual listening of the People of God—everyone included—then there is collegiality. Every bishop is part of the College of Bishops. And there is Peter—the principle of unity and certainty. These three levels must be respected—always.
There has been criticism of the German Synodal Path from various churches, for example, from Poland. Do you know why?
Grech: I can't say why this criticism arose. But I don't agree with the method used by the critics. Not in this style. I think fraternal correction and dialogue are very positive. But why a public denunciation? That doesn't help. It only polarizes further.
Cathcon: Of course, he knows why. If not he should read Cathcon.
Head of Polish Bishops slams Synodal Path
Polish Catholic Action delivers thundering and devastating rebuke to German Synodal Path
Have you seen similar controversies in other countries regarding other synodal paths, for example in Australia?
Grech: I have the impression that certain topics discussed in Germany are also discussed in other places. But here, too, there are different ways in which these topics can be discussed. I would like to give you an example. I had just taken office. And one of the first letters I received was from a bishop who had just completed a diocesan synodal process. He wrote to me that before he began the process, he had told his diocese that certain topics could not be discussed within the process because it was not his competence as a diocesan bishop to deal with them. But in the end, people were still discussing these very topics. So he asked me whether he should ignore these topics or include them in the final document. I told him to stand by what he had said at the beginning, without ignoring or dismissing these topics. And I told him to write another document, an appendix, and submit it to the appropriate authority as well.
Do you know what the response was in the diocese?
Grech: No, but I have the impression the community received it well. Because the bishop listened. Questions are not only important, they are necessary. What really worries me is when there are no questions. Questions mean that we are alive and evolving.
Do there have to be outcomes that change things at the end of a synodal process?
Grech: The main goal of this process is to find God's will. To better understand his will. And 2020 is not 1020, nor is it 2000. We must be faithful to God. And at the same time, we must find the right answers for people today.
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