The Vatican’s ‘Synod on Synodality’ is about to begin. Here’s what to know.

[mwai_chat context=”Let’s have a discussion about this article:nnVATICAN CITY (RNS) — Catholic clergy and laypeople will gather at the Vatican Oct. 4-29 for a synod, or summit of bishops and lay people, to discuss synodality, with an emphasis on communion, participation and mission.While some might dismiss the highly anticipated event as a meeting on meetings, the term synodality under Pope Francis has expanded to reflect his vision for dialogue and decision-making in the church.
“I am well aware that speaking of a ‘Synod on Synodality’ may seem something abstruse, self-referential, excessively technical, and of little interest to the general public,” Francis said to journalists at the Vatican on Aug. 26.
The summit will bring 464 Catholic clergy and laypeople, including women, to the Vatican to discuss hot-button issues ranging from sexual abuse to LGBTQ inclusion and female ordination.
“It is something truly important for the church,” the pope said.
What is the Synod on Synodality?
The synod is the result of a two-year process that started in September 2021, when the Vatican released a preparatory document and instructions on how to prepare for the summit. Catholic faithful around the world then met in their parishes to discuss the questions posed b …nnDiscussion:nn” ai_name=”RocketNews AI: ” start_sentence=”Can I tell you more about this article?” text_input_placeholder=”Type ‘Yes'”]