March 31, 2023 marked the end of the Continental and second phase of the Synod on Synodality. In a press conference at the Vatican Press Office, members of dicasteries and dioceses touched on the importance of this particular phase.
SR. NATHALIE BECQUART
Under Secretary, General Secretariat of the Synod
The continental stage intended to encourage the creation or strengthening of links of neighboring Churches and at the same time to foster relationships between the Universal Church and the particular churches.
The President of the Australian Bishops' Conference explained that the continental phase emphasized the Church's aspect of universality.
ABP. TIMOTHY JOHN COSTELLOE
President, Australian Bishops' Conference
There is in fact more than one way of being the Church. I think that's a very important thing and something that's emerging as a significant feature of this synodal journey. And I think what that means is that as we continue on this journey, we're going into a deeper experience of synodality and in doing that we're recognizing and celebrating this reality of the great diversity, which is already a reality in the Church.
Moving into the next phase of the Synod—the Universal stage—Archbishop Costelloe encouraged local churches to get off the sidelines and actively learn more about the Church..
The Universal Phase will begin in October and focus on the Church as a whole.
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