Ecumenism in the Synthesis Report of the First Session of the 16th Synod of Bishops

30 Oct 2023

The Synthesis Report of the First Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (Vatican, 4-29 October 2023), entitled “A Synodal Church in Mission”, dedicated long texts to the ecumenical dimension, in the conviction that "there can be no synodality without the ecumenical dimension" (7.b).

The introduction refers to the Ecumenical Prayer Vigil "Together", described as a "grace", since "unity ferments silently within the Holy Church of God".

Chapter 6, entitled "The Eastern Churches and the Latin Church Traditions ", considers that it is necessary to "reflect on the contribution that the Eastern Catholic Churches can make to Christian unity and their role in interreligious and intercultural dialogues " (g).

Chapter 7, entitled "On the Road Towards Christian Unity", is entirely dedicated to ecumenism. Among the convergences, the Assembly, in the light of the "Together" Vigil, recognises that "we are in an ecumenical kairos" (a). It reaffirms that baptism, "the principle of synodality, also constitutes the foundation of ecumenism", since "through it all Christians participate in the sensus fidei and must therefore be listened to carefully" (b). He emphasises the spiritual roots of ecumenism that is realised in daily life, the importance of theological dialogue (c), as well as "ecumenism of blood", since "unity comes from the Cross of the Lord". He mentions the necessary collaboration between all Christians to face the pastoral challenges of our time (e), and the importance of interchurch marriages (f).

Among the issues to be addressed, the Assembly notes "the diversity among Christian traditions in how they understand the synodal configuration of the Church" (g), the " link between synodality and primacy at the various levels (local, regional, universal) in their mutual interdependence" (h), the question of Eucharistic hospitality (communicatio in sacris) in the light of the link between sacramental and ecclesial communion (i), and the phenomenon of "non-denominational" communities and "revival" movements (j).

Proposals include a common commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325) (k), a common date for Easter (l), the invitation of more fraternal delegates to the next session of the Assembly in 2024 (m), the convocation of an ecumenical synod on common mission in the contemporary world (n), and the compilation of an ecumenical martyrology (o).

In Chapter 13 entitled "The Bishop of Rome in the College of Bishops", the Assembly notes that "promoting the unity of all Christians is an essential aspect of the ministry of the Bishop of Rome". It notes that “the responses to the invitation made by St John Paul II in the encyclical Ut unum sint, as well as the conclusions of ecumenical dialogues, can help the Catholic understanding of primacy, collegiality, synodality and their mutual relationships” (b).

Passages of the Synthesis Report

Introduction

It was a grace to begin these days with an ecumenical vigil, which saw the leaders and representatives of the other Christian denominations praying together with the Pope at the tomb of Peter. Unity ferments silently within the Holy Church of God; we see it with our own eyes, and we bear witness to it full of joy. "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity" (Ps 133:1).

6. The Eastern Churches and Latin Church Traditions

g) We need to reflect on the contribution that the Eastern Catholic Churches can make to Christian unity and their role in interreligious and intercultural dialogues.

7. On the Road Towards Christian Unity

Convergences

a) This session of the Synodal Assembly opened with a profound ecumenical gesture. The "Together" prayer vigil saw the presence of numerous other leaders and representatives of different Christian communions alongside Pope Francis, a clear and credible sign of the will to walk together in the spirit of unity of faith and exchange of gifts. This highly significant event also allowed us to recognize that we are in an ecumenical kairos and to reaffirm that what unites us is greater than what divides us. For in common we have "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, among all and in all" (Eph. 4:5-6).

b) Baptism, which is at the root of the principle of synodality, also constitutes the foundation of ecumenism. Through it, all Christians participate in the sensus fidei and for this reason they should be listened to carefully, regardless of their tradition, as the Synodal Assembly did in its discernment process. There can be no synodality without an ecumenical dimension.

c) Ecumenism is first and foremost a matter of spiritual renewal that also requires processes for repentance and healing of memory. The assembly was moved to hear testimonies of Christians of different ecclesial traditions who share friendship, prayer and above all a commitment to the service of those experiencing poverty. Dedication to the least of these cements bonds and helps us focus on what already unites all believers in Christ. Therefore, it is important that ecumenism is practised first and foremost in daily life. In theological and institutional dialogue, the patient weaving of mutual understanding continues in an atmosphere of growing trust and openness.

d) In not a few regions of the world there is an “ecumenism of blood”, stemming from Christians of different affiliations who give their lives for faith in Jesus Christ. The testimony of their martyrdom is more eloquent than any words. Unity comes from the Cross of the Lord.

e) Collaboration among all Christians is crucial in addressing the pastoral challenges of our time. In secularized societies, this enables the voice of the Gospel to have greater force. In contexts of poverty, it impels people to join forces in the service of justice, peace and the dignity of the least. In all instances, it is a resource for healing the culture of hatred, division and war that pits groups, peoples and nations against each other.

f) Marriages between Christians who belong to different Churches or ecclesial communities (inter-church marriages) may constitute realities in which the wisdom of communion can mature, and it is possible to evangelize each other.

Matters for Consideration

g) Our assembly was able to perceive the diversity among Christian traditions in how they understand the synodal configuration of the Church. In Orthodox Churches, synodality is understood in a strict sense as an expression of the collegial exercise of authority proper to the bishops alone (the Holy Synod). Broadly, it refers to the active participation of all the faithful in the life and mission of the Church. There were some references to practices in other ecclesial communities, enriching our debates. All this requires further investigation.

h) Another theme to be explored concerns the link between synodality and primacy at the various levels (local, regional, universal) in their mutual interdependence. We need a shared re-reading of history in order to overcome stereotypes and prejudices. Ongoing ecumenical dialogues have provided a better understanding, in light of the practices of the first millennium, of the fact that synodality and primacy are related, complementary and inseparable realities. The clarification of this delicate point has consequences for the way of understanding the Petrine ministry in the service of unity, according to what St. John Paul II wished for in the encyclical Ut unum sint.

i) We need to examine the issue of Eucharistic hospitality (Communicatio in sacris) from theological, canonical and pastoral perspectives in light of the link between sacramental and ecclesial communion. This issue is of particular importance to inter-church couples. It raises the need for a broader reflection on inter-church marriages.

j) Reflection was also urged on the phenomenon of "non-denominational" communities and Christian-inspired "revival" movements, which are also joined in large numbers by faithful who were originally Catholic.

Proposals

k) The year 2025 marks the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325), where the symbol of the faith that unites all Christians was elaborated. A common commemoration of this event will help us to better understand how in the past controversial questions were discussed and resolved together in Council.

l) In the same year, 2025, providentially, the date of the solemnity of Easter will coincide for all Christian Churches and communities. The Assembly expressed a keen desire to come to a common date for the feast of Easter so that we can celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, our life and our salvation, on the same day.

m) There is also a desire to continue to involve Christians of other Churches and ecclesial traditions in Catholic synodal processes at all levels and to invite more fraternal delegates to the next session of the Assembly in 2024.

n) A proposal to convene an ecumenical Synod on common mission in the contemporary world has also been put forward by some.

o) It was also proposed that we might devise an ecumenical martyrology.

3. The Bishop of Rome in the College of Bishops

b) Promoting the unity of all Christians is an essential aspect of the ministry of the Bishop of Rome. The ecumenical journey has deepened understanding of the ministry of the Successor of Peter and must continue to do so in the future. Responses to the invitation made by St. John Paul II in the encyclical Ut unum sint, as well as the conclusions of ecumenical dialogues, can help the Catholic understanding of primacy, collegiality, synodality, and their mutual relationships.