Australian Catholics have offered a range of perspectives on how the Church can become a more synodal Church, in a final document set to be sent to the Vatican as part of the Synod on Synodality.
The ACBC published an eight-page summary report, following consultation with hundreds of Catholics across Australia, which it will present at the October Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
The report is a synthesis of summaries from 25 dioceses, three Eastern Catholic Church eparchies and a further 13 organisations who also made submissions.
These summaries followed a consultation held by each group from February to April.
National Centre for Pastoral Research director Dr Trudy Dantis said those who took part in the process had appreciated the opportunity to listen to differing opinions in a deep and respectful way, as well as contribute ideas about how to become a synodal Church in mission.
“One thing that was acknowledged widely was the changing nature of the Catholic Church in Australia through migration and differing patterns of engagement,” Dr Dantis said.
“There were many comments on finding ways to encourage the involvement of all cultural groups in the mission of the Church, improve the awareness and enactment of co-responsibility and overcome barriers by deeper listening.”
Social media, liturgy and faith, reaching out to families and young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministry, the equal dignity of women and men, working with other churches and encouraging the use of peoples’ unique gifts were themes emerging from the consultations.
The document will form the basis for talks at the October Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Fifteen people from Australia will participate in the Assembly, including Bishop Anthony Randazzo and Chancellor of Broken Bay, Kelly Paget.
The full document can be read here.