I have literally just returned from a month in Rome for the Synod of Bishops. In the Catholic Church, Synods of Bishops periodically meet at the invitation of the Pope to advise him on pastoral matters.
This time the topic was how can we, the Church, better walk with each other, including with other Christians, in order to proclaim the Good News more effectively today? It goes to the heart of what the Church is called to be.
Pope Francis was determined this Synod would be different from others. The depth of consultation was unprecedented – every parish in the world was invited to take part. As you might imagine there were a lot of contentious subjects to be discussed. However, Pope Francis was adamant that a synod is not a debating chamber where people try to win their case. No, the focus was to be on the Holy Spirit. How are we being guided today? One way of doing that was to listen to others.
There were approximately 360 participants from across the world. We were separated into small groups, organised by language and previously expressed preference of topics. Each time there was a new topic we changed groups which enabled wider sharing of ideas.
There was a strong emphasis on silence and listening. Each member spoke for an initial four minutes with no interruptions allowed. There was silence after every three inputs. After everyone had spoken there was a longer pause for silence. In the second round each participant summed up what they had heard, focusing on what most struck them, positively or negatively.
The listening and discussion was of a very high quality. Minds and hearts were broadened.
In our contemporary world where deep listening is not greatly practiced, and so much suffering arises from this, the Synod was a hopeful experience, not just for the Church but all humanity.
Bishop Brian McGee, St Columba’s Cathedral, Oban