Michael Kelly‘Dialogue and respect’ is the foundation for a successful Church, writes Michael Kelly
Limerick Diocese under the leadership of Bishop Brendan Leahy will next year become the first Irish diocese in decades to undertake a synod. It will bring together delegates from all across the diocese to chart a future for the Church in that part of the midwest.
Jesuit theologian Fr Gerry O’Hanlon has written extensively about assemblies and synods in the Church. Writing in the current edition of The Furrow he says: “What is being proposed, then, is a more collegial Church at all levels, a communio in which the baptismal dignity of everyone is respected, and all this to occur at local level too, with a renewed sense of the relative autonomy of each diocese, always in communion with the universal Church.”
Unrealistic
He says it is “unrealistic to ask a bishop on his own, or with clergy, to tackle the many challenges” facing the Church, suggesting that “together we are in a stronger position to do so”.
His comments echo the sense of co-responsibility desired by the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). Sometimes, perhaps because we are a hierarchical Church, Catholics have a tendency to constantly look upwards for reform. Parishioners will insist that things are the priest’s responsibility; priests may look to the bishop for all direction and bishops can have the tendency to look to Rome and the Pope for renewal.
Most Catholics experience the Church at a local level: in their parishes and communities and in their schools. Therefore, it stands to reason that people are extremely well-placed to be aware of the needs of the Church.
This will be a challenge for priests as well as people. Many laypeople are used to being compliant helpers rather than co-responsible. Many laypeople like this and resist further involvement. How many priests hear the cry “you’ll have to do more for the young people, Father” casually offered as advice without a smidgen of realism about what it is that should be done?
Co-responsibility
Co-responsibility in the Church has to be a two-way street based on dialogue and respect.
But those laypeople who do give of their time and energy will have to be able to do so in the knowledge that consultation is real rather than lip-service.
Next year’s synod in Limerick could be a good stepping stone for more open dialogue within the Church. Sure, there will be things that people don’t want to hear, but airing these things is certainly healthier than allowing things to be bottled up.