SYNODALITY IN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH: A CALL FOR ECCLESIASTICAL DEMOCRACY?

Abstract

One of the most important occasions engaging the Catholic world today is the upcoming event of the Synod on Synodality. While the Church has always had synods, the upcoming synod reflects on the nature of synodality itself. This particular synod reflects on the meaning and operations of synods. No wonder, it hinges on the tripod of communion, participation and mission. The synod emphasizes journeying together and carrying everyone along. The stress is on collaboration wherein the clergy, the consecrated persons and the laity are expected to walk and work together to achieve the evangelizing mission of the Church. Ever since the announcement of this synod, questions are agog as to whether the church is about becoming a democracy in the real meaning of it. This study seeks to understand the meaning of democracy in the light of the essence of the Synod on Synodality. It finds that the Church is actually a Kingdom and cannot be a democracy in the secular understanding of the political system as she is expected to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit as mediated by a hierarchical structure rather a majoritarian and popular perception.