Future of the Church: Synodal changes bring new hope!

Future of the Church: Synodal changes bring new hope!

The Catholic Church is facing a revolutionary change, which theologian Klara-Antonia Csiszar describes as a “game changer”. According to a recent interview with Kathpress, the “Church Assembly” scheduled by Rome for 2028 could fundamentally reshape the synodal process. In this new era, a stronger role for the laity in liturgy and pastoral care is envisaged, which ensures greater shared responsibility in the local churches. The structure of the current Synod of Bishops could also change and be more closely aligned with the concepts of a church council, as Csiszar explains. This last appears to be a crucial step in creating a community within the Church in which the voices of all believers are heard.

In assessing the final document of the World Synod, Csiszar emphasizes that it is not just about the role of women in the church, but about comprehensive equality for all lay people. These extensive changes require a national strategy so that the implementation of the new requirements in Austria is coordinated and achieved in a targeted manner. It is crucial that the bishops' conference, together with a national synod team, clarify which priorities should be implemented by when. The goal is to create oases of freedom and openness within communities where everyone is welcome and can actively participate, she reported. The creative approach to the lived forms of synodality is of central importance.

A new chapter for the church

Csiszar sees current developments as the key to promoting more vibrant and inclusive communities that contribute to better coexistence in society. As the Church looks for ways to overcome its misunderstanding of the saints, hope remains that the implementation of the principles of synodality will gain momentum worldwide. Csiszar emphasizes that the final document of the synod is not just a recommendation, but an integral part of the ordinary magisterium. It is therefore particularly unimaginable to stop the process, even in view of Pope Francis' health challenges.

You can find more about Klara-Antonia Csiszar's far-reaching views and the ongoing synodal processes in the reports from Kathpress and Catholic.at.