Thursday, July 25 2024
OTTAWA, July 25, 2024 – On 9 July 2024, the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops released the Instrumentum laboris for the upcoming second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held 2-27 October 2-27 2024 in Rome. This session will mark a significant moment in the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, initiated in 2021, by discerning how the Church can become more synodal and missionary.
The Instrumentum laboris is designed as a working tool for the Assembly members. Rather than providing definitive answers, it aims to foster prayer, dialogue, and discernment, in view of refining and building consensus on the ways to be a synodal missionary Church. This document reflects the insights and contributions from local churches worldwide, gathered through extensive consultations and during the first session of the Assembly.
Key Highlights of the Instrumentum laboris:
- Foundations of Synodality: The document emphasizes the Church’s identity as the People of God and Sacrament of unity, rooted in the living tradition of the Church. It highlights the importance of synodality as a path of conversion and reform, calling for a renewed understanding of ecclesial communion and a commitment to live synodality in all its dimensions.
- Three Perspectives:
- Relations: This section delves into the essential relationships within the Church – with God, among the faithful, and between Churches. It underscores the vitality of these relationships, transcending mere structural considerations.
- Paths: Focused on the practical pathways that nurture Christian relationships and support the Church’s mission, this section calls for formation plans that are contextually relevant and encourages transparent accountability in ecclesial responsibilities.
- Places: This section examines the specific cultural and contextual realities where the Church’s synodal life is embodied. It promotes dynamic relationships and participation in the local Churches and broader ecclesial structures.
- Ongoing Synodal Process: The document situates the current phase within the broader synodal journey, ensuring continuity with previous stages, including the consultations of local churches, continental assemblies, and the first session of the Assembly.
Looking Ahead
The second session of the Assembly will be a critical moment for the Church to reflect on and respond to the evolving needs of being a synodal and missionary Church. It will involve prayerful discernment and dialogue on how to implement the orientations and proposals outlined in the Instrumentum laboris.
The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops invites all members of the People of God to engage in this journey through prayer and sharing of reflections, contributing to the task entrusted to the Assembly members.
For more information about the Synod, please visit: Synods of Bishops – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca)
The CCCB press release on the release of the Instrumentum laboris for the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod.
The CCCB press release is also attached to this email, in PDF format.