Before Synod: Halik warns against high hopes for quick reforms

Theologian Tomas Halik warns against high hopes for rapid synodal reforms in the Church in view of the upcoming plenary assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican. "It is unrealistic to expect visible, i.e. mainly external, institutional changes soon after the two synod meetings in Rome," writes Halik in the "Herder Korrespondenz" (October issue). The synodal reform of the Church represents a "greater and more demanding task" than the mere transformation of a rigid clerical system into flexible communication within the Church. The path of synodal renewal is first and foremost a path of dialogue with God; "it is a transition from a monological, self-centred way of living and thinking to a contemplative and dialogical approach".

Halik sees "very difficult test of patience" for some local churches

The idea that major changes can and should be made primarily by the hierarchy is a manifestation of clericalism and "an overestimation of the role of the hierarchy", Halik continued. The synodal reform does not call into question the competence and responsibility of official authorities such as the bishops, but it expands the participation of other Christians in the decision-making process, which must precede any serious decision-making in the Church.

With regard to the anticipated topics of the plenary assembly, Halik sees a "very difficult test of patience" for some local churches. The working paper (Instrumentum laboris) indicates that some specific proposals that have emerged in a number of conclusions of national and continental synods will not be the subject of the assembly. "These include, for example, the ordination of women and presumably the ordination of married men (viri probati) as a return to the millennial practice of the still undivided Church and as a lasting experience of the Eastern Churches, including Eastern Rite Catholics," the theologian said. At the same time, however, the document adds that theological reflection on these issues should be continued in a transparent and appropriate manner according to a specific timetable.

"Important proposals" in the Instrumentum laboris

Nevertheless, Halik believes that the Instrumentum laboris contains "important proposals" that are undoubtedly ripe for implementation. "One of them is to open up more space for the lay faithful to exercise their charism." The ministry of acolytes and catechists, for example, which allows qualified lay people to preach at Eucharistic services, has already been established. It also proposes the establishment of other ministries to which baptism entitles. "The most important of these ministries appears to be the ministry of spiritual accompaniment," writes the theologian. This ministry, which encompasses all the main elements of synodality such as listening, openness to the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual discernment and the joint search for the right decision, should be both a permanent task of the Church in the world and for the world, as well as a special ministry of those responsible for people who are seeking to give meaning to their lives and their life situation.

The second and final plenary assembly of the current Synod on Synodality will be held in the Vatican from 2 to 27 October. In July, the Synod Secretariat published the associated working paper, the so-called Instrumentum laboris. It is entitled "How we can be a missionary-synodal church". 368 men and women from all continents are taking part in the assembly as voting members. 96 of them are not bishops, but priests, deacons, religious or lay Christians. (stz)