Synodality and the Recovery of Vatican II

Book excerpt: In less than a decade the notion of ‘synodality’ has emerged as a central theme in Catholic life and thought, especially in Catholics’ self-reflection on who they are as the People of God: ecclesiology. The notion of the Church as ‘synodal’ has early roots in the many councils and synods of the early churches, east and west, but now this notion has emerged from the history of canon law to become one that portrays a whole new image of the church. The church, Pope Francis has said, is called to be synodal as it changes its self-perception from being a power pyramid seeking to impose its vision to being a pilgrim people at the service of humanity. But what are the implications of synodality? The synod on synodality in Rome 2023/24 is grappling with this question, but if the notion has any meaning it will require steady examination over a much longer period, it will need to be owned, and it will call for engagement from all parts of the Catholic Church. One can only have a synodal coming together when people from every corner of the church set out on the journey to that meeting place (synodos) of many roads. As part of this synodal engagement the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain invited its members – and some friends of the association – to offer their reflections on the importance of synodality, what it means, how it can build on the work of the Second Vatican Council, and how we can engage with it today. These essays – deliberately kept short and to the point – are offered to our sisters and brothers in baptism in order to help us all on our journey of renewal as a pilgrim people.