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The second session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is underway at the Vatican, starting on October 2. This four-week event gathers 368 voting delegates and numerous nonvoting participants from around the world to focus on "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission" and explore synodality within the church.
This meeting follows a three-year process that began in 2021 with diocesan-level consultations. These consultations progressed through bishops' conferences and a continental phase, shaping the framework for this assembly. The first meeting took place last year at the Vatican from October 4-28, 2023. Participants have since engaged in further discussions to develop as a synodal church, sharing their findings with both the Holy See and the public.
The agenda for this session is guided by an "instrumentum laboris," or working document, published in July. It emphasizes Christian formation, communal discernment, transparency, and accountability under the theme of being a missionary synodal church.
A papal Mass formally opened this year's synod on October 2. However, proceedings began with a penitential liturgy on October 1 at St. Peter's Basilica led by Pope Francis. This included testimonies such as one from a clergy sexual abuse survivor and confessions acknowledging collective responsibility for suffering inflicted upon innocents.
The structure of this session mirrors last year's format with round table discussions aimed at listening to presentations and engaging in spiritual conversations involving silence and shared responses.
Controversial topics like women's ordination to the diaconate and ministry to LGBT individuals are now handled by specialized theological study groups rather than open discussions among all delegates. Delegates will receive progress reports from these groups before final submissions expected next June.
Of note is "Fiducia Supplicans," issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith regarding blessings for couples in irregular situations without altering traditional teachings on marriage. While not directly linked to the synod, it has sparked controversy globally due to perceived insufficient consultation during its creation.
Most voting delegates are returning from last year’s meeting except Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan whose seat is now filled by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore who was unable to attend previously.
Synodality remains challenging to define precisely across different cultures but generally involves Christians journeying together towards mission through dialogue and community discernment while making decisions aligned with their responsibilities.
Maria Wiering is senior writer for OSV News.
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