Pope Francis clearly considers synodality to be crucial for the reform of the church. Since his election, he has convened two synods on the family, the synod on Youth and Young People, and the synod on the Pan-Amazon region. And now he has called for a synod on synodality.

But what is a synod? And what is synodality?

According to Kim Daniels, co-director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, and a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, synodality has to do with listening, coming together, and accompaniment. These are all ideas that have been central to Pope Francis’ ministry and leadership.

In today’s episode of Field Hospital, Mike and Jeannie talk to Kim about what synodality means for the church, and how parishes are putting it into action. They also discuss the backlash against, and misunderstandings about, synods and synodality in the Church today.

LINKS:

Woman to Know: Kim Daniels
https://catholicwomensforum.org/staff/women-know-kim-daniels/ 

"Want to understand synodality? Look to Africa"
By Mike Lewis
https://wherepeteris.com/want-to-understand-synodality-look-to-africa/ 

“For the synod to succeed, the church must listen to all of us”
By Milton Javier Bravo 
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202203/for-the-synod-to-succeed-the-church-must-listen-to-all-of-us/ 

“Panelists say solidarity, synodality can heal divisions in US Church”
By John Lavenburg
https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2022/03/panelists-say-solidarity-synodality-can-heal-divisions-in-u-s-church 

"US Bishops Speak on the Synodal Process"
By Rachel Amiri 
https://wherepeteris.com/us-bishops-speak-on-the-synodal-process/ 

"Synodality: A New Way of living as a Church"
By Daniel Amiri
https://wherepeteris.com/synodality-a-new-way-of-living-as-a-church/ 

This episode of Field Hospital is supported by Catholic Theological Union.
https://ctu.edu/