Synodal Church. Some Fundamental Elements

Abstract

The first part of this study explores the connection between the Synodal Church and the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. It then examines the definition of synodality provided by the final document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, analyzing its various elements according to their significance and interrelationships. The second part focuses on the pilgrim Church in the world and the relationship between the Synodal Church and its mission. Finally, the third part investigates the link between the Synodal Church and its institutional forms, processes, and attitudes. This study proposes an approach based on the stable relationships among Christians, established through certain sacraments and charisms. These relationships shape the Church on earth, making it visible and identifiable as the Church of God. Synodal ecclesiology interprets this relational foundation as the common ground that sustains it, underpins assembly events, and drives the Church’s mission forward. In this perspective, synodal ecclesiology avoids the risk of overlooking the Church’s structure as a divine gift offered to humanity. Since the concept of structure presented here is relational, it responds to the need for a vision of the Church that is closer to people and less bureaucratic.