For a synodal Church: Communion / Participation / Mission MISSION: The Church exists to evangelise. We can never be centred on ourselves. Our mission is to witness to the love of God in the midst of the shole human family. This Synodal Process has a deep missionary dimension to it. It is intended to enable the Church to better witness to the Gospel, especially with those who live on the spiritual, social, economic, political, geographical, and existential peripheries of our world. In this way, synodality is a path by which the Church can more fruitfully fulfil her mission of evangelisation in the world, as a leaven at the service of the coming of God’s kingdom.
Sharing Responsibility for our Common Mission Synodality is at the service of the mission of the Church, in which all members are called to participate.
Since we are all missionary disciples, how is every baptised person called to participate in the mission of the Church? What hinders the baptised from being active in mission?
What areas of mission are we neglecting?
How does the community support its members who serve society in various ways (social and political involvement, scientific research, education, promoting social justice, protecting human rights, caring for the environment, etc.)?
How does the Church help these members to live out their service to society in a missionary way?
How is discernment about missionary choices made and by whom?
Dialogue in Church and Society Dialogue requires perseverance and patience, but it also enables mutual understanding.
To what extent do diverse peoples in our community come together for dialogue? What are the places and means of dialogue within our local Church?
How do we promote collaboration with neighbouring dioceses, religious communities in the area, lay associations and movements, etc.?
How are divergences of vision, or conflicts and difficulties addressed?
What particular issues in the Church and society do we need to pay more attention to?
What experiences of dialogue and collaboration do we have with believers of other religions and with those who have no religious affiliation?
How does the Church dialogue with and learn from other sectors of society: the spheres of politics, economics, culture, civil society, and people who live in poverty?
Ecumenism The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one baptism, has a special place in the synodal journey.
What relationships does our Church community have with members of other Christian traditions and denominations? What do we share and how do we journey together?
What fruits have we drawn from walking together? What are the difficulties?
How can we take the next step in walking forward with each other?