The voices of ordinary Catholics are an “indispensable” part of Church governance while canon law should be updated to make it compulsory for parishes to have councils that consult the laity, according to an important theological body which helps establish official Catholic teaching.
“Synodality in the Life of the Church,” published by the International Theological Commission and released on its website on 3 May, has the approval of Pope Francis and aims to flesh out his vision of using Synods to address the major questions facing the Church.
One of the most important tasks for the Church, the commission’s document explains, is to consult the faithful as an integral part of what it calls a “Synodal Church” prepared to undertake a collective discernment.
“The participation of the lay faithful is essential,” the document states.
“They are the immense majority of the People of God and we have much to learn from their participation in the various expressions of the life and mission of church communities, of popular piety and of general pastoral care, as well as from their specific expertise in various fields of cultural and social life.”
It goes on: “This is why consulting them is indispensable in starting the processes of discernment within the framework of Synodal Structures. It is therefore necessary to overcome obstacles represented by a lack of formation and recognised forums in which the lay faithful can express themselves and act, and from a clerical mentality that risks keeping them at the margins of ecclesial life.”
Throughout his pontificate, Francis has placed a strong emphasis on the Synod of Bishops as tool of governance calling the world’s hierarchy to Rome to discuss marriage and family life in 2014 and 2015 while this October will see a gathering focussed on young people, faith and vocational discernment. Both Synods have included a wide-ranging consultation of lay Catholics beforehand.
