by Mary Cullen

Scotland’s syndodal journey has begun. The websites of seven of its eight Catholic dioceses set out how they are going to respond to Pope Francis’ invitation to help shape a synodal church, in which all its members can listen and learn from one another. (The eighth diocese, Glasgow, which is waiting for the appointment of a new archbishop following the death of Archbishop Tartaglia in January 2021, is silent on the matter at the time of writing.)

Rome has announced that the first, ‘listening’ phase of the church’s synodal journey, which began in October, has been extended from April to August next year. Dioceses have been given more time to seek the views of as many people as possible on a process which Pope Francis has described as the path God wants for the church in the third millennium. Journeying together, the  synod’s preparatory document says, is what most effectively enacts and manifests the nature of the church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God. The extra time for consultation has created a greater opportunity for the people of God around the world ‘to have an authentic experience of listening  and dialogue.

So how have Scottish dioceses set out on the journey? The Diocese of Motherwell’s invitation to join the process is warm and inviting. Its website provides a clear and straightforward explanation of synodality, which aims to ‘establish a fresh way of being church’. A short video, narrated by different voices and illustrated with well chosen images, outlines the synod’s focus on communion, participation and mission. It is set in the gardens of Carfin, an iconic place of pilgrimage for generations of Scotland’s Catholics that recalls the church’s journey through history. There is also a set of explanatory slides that can be downloaded and prayer resources.

Christina Inogés Sanz, one of the members of the Vatican’s commission for the methodology of the synod, appears on the video to answer questions about the synodal process. She urges people not to let the opportunity pass and not to be afraid to speak out – the future of the church and its credibility, she says, are at stake. Asked if women’s voices will be particularly relevant in the synod, she says: ‘Absolutely. Women’s voices

are very important and will become prophetic. It’s always like this when the church has allowed women to speak’.

The Diocese of Galloway also offers series of ten short video reflections to help groups and individuals explore what journeying together as a church might mean today. People are invited to discuss them with their family members and email the diocesan team with any responses they would like to share. The invitation extends to those who no longer come to church, and the team would welcome responses from discussions with them, stressing the importance of listening to what they have to say. The diocesan team is on hand to help, and co-ordinators are being trained to lead group discussions.

The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh adopts a different tone. There is a focus on what are called ‘spiritual conversations’. Parish level synod meetings are described as optional, but all parishes are encourage to hold one. A practical guide for hosting parish meetings is available along with a holy hour prayer service.

The Diocese of Paisley will begin its discussions through parish pastoral councils and diocesan pastoral councils, which include parish representatives.

The Diocese of Argyll and the Isles is using the time before Christmas for preparation and training co-ordinators and will begin consultation in the New Year. Aberdeen will also begin its consultation then.

It is not clear from the website of Dunkeld Diocese what the process there will be.

Not all websites make it easy to find synod resources, or the sermons preached by their bishops to mark the start of the journey. In his homily, Bishop Stephen Robson of Dunkeld  outlined the meaning of synodality but went on to stress ‘what it is not’. He warned that there are places where the idea of synod has gone ‘drastically wrong’, and cited the example of Germany, where the church has been accused of treating synodality ‘like a parliament’. This can lead to ‘wanting to change everything – including that which cannot be changed because the Church’s teaching is already settled’

Given the importance of this listening phase in the local church it would be good to hear from Open House readers. Is the consultation process underway in your diocese? How is it going? And what are your hopes for the synod’s outcome?