Members of the Synod on Synodality published an unpredecented letter to the Christian community to mark the closing of the first session in Rome. This is the first time members of a synod have written a document to Christians during an ongoing session.
The letter recalls a warning Pope Francis gave them on October 9: to avoid letting two of the themes of the Synod—communion and mission—be solely abstract terms, which can happen if not everyone is involved in the process.
POPE FRANCIS
It is not easy but it is beautiful. It is very beautiful.
To make these themes concrete, the Synod members will release a closing document to highlight the questions discussed during the month-long assembly and indicate how the Synod will continue throughout the next year.
Leading up to the second session in 2024, the members call everyone to fully participate in the synod, which means being a part of the missionary nature of the Church.
The letter urges the entire Church to listen everyone, beginning with the poorest, those who feel excluded and those who have been marginalized in society.
This letter and the upcoming closing document will help give the Christian community concrete ideas on how to build upon the themes of this first session and prepare for the next one in 2024.
KG
