FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH: COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION, MISSION

Snippet from the Final Document: Part III - Ecclesial Discernment for Mission Transparency, Accountability and Evaluation

96. In particular, it has been requested that greater light be shed on the meaning of transparency. The synodal process has connected it to words such as truth, loyalty, clarity, honesty, integrity, consistency, rejection of obscurity, hypocrisy and ambiguity, and absence of ulterior motives. The Gospel blessing of those who are “pure in heart” (Mt 5:8) and the command to be “innocent as doves” (Mt 10:16) resonated in this regard as well the words of the Apostle Paul: “We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God” (2 Cor 4:2). Thus, when we speak of transparency we are referring to a fundamental attitude grounded in the Sacred Scriptures and not to a series of administrative or procedural requirements. Transparency, in its correct evangelical sense, does not compromise respect for privacy and confidentiality, the protection of persons, their dignity and rights, even in the face of unreasonable demands of civil authorities. However, this privacy can never legitimate practices contrary to the Gospel or become a pretext for a cover-up or to circumvent actions to combat evil. With regard to the seal of the confessional, “The sacramental seal is indispensable and no human power has jurisdiction over it, nor can lay any claim to it.” (Francis, Address to Participants at the course organised by the Apostolic Penitentiary, 29 March 2019)