Freedom of Expression, Listening, Participation and Involvement in a Synodal Church

ISA\’s last webinar for this year 2022 entitled \”Freedom of Expression, Listening, Participation and Involvement in a Synodal Church\” with Msgr. Pedro \”Pepe\” Quitorio III, Media Office Director of CBCP as resource speaker.

The discussion centered on the concept of Synodality in the Catholic Church, emphasizing its historical roots in Vatican II and the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines. Msgr. Pedro highlighted the importance of freedom of expression, noting that while Vatican II encouraged it, historical documents like \”Syllabus Errarum\” and \”Lamentabili Sane\” suppressed it. The conversation also addressed the intolerance within the church, particularly in issues like family and life, and the need for true Synodality, involving marginalized groups in decision-making. He stressed the importance of plurality and diversity in the church\’s mission.

Synodality and Its Historical Context

• Msgr. Pedro discusses the concept of Synodality, emphasizing its closeness to the church and its potential to be the peak of the church.
• The process of Synodality, starting from national consultations to continental and international levels, is outlined.
• The concept of Synodality is traced back to Vatican II documents, highlighting its presence in liturgy and ecclesiology.
• The second plenary Council of the Philippines is mentioned as a significant event in canonizing basic ecclesial communities and the process of Synodality.

Freedom of Expression in the Catholic Church

• Msgr. Pedro transitions to the topic of freedom of expression, noting the church\’s historical intolerance towards it.
• The 19th century documents like \”Syllabus Errarum\” and \”Lamentabili Sane\” are mentioned as examples of the church\’s hostility towards free speech.
• Vatican II\’s document \”Gaudium et Spes\” is highlighted for its encouragement of free expression and public opinion.
• Personal anecdotes from Speaker 1\’s experience in media and the church\’s response to public opinion and bashing are shared.

Challenges and Realizations in Synodality

• Msgr. Pedro reflects on the church\’s intolerance of diversity and bigotry, especially in issues like family and life.
• Examples of intolerance within the church, such as attacks on bishops for their views on family planning, are discussed.
• The importance of diversity and plurality in the Catholic Church is emphasized, drawing parallels to the Acts of the Apostles.
• He criticizes the church\’s lack of involvement in decision-making processes for marginalized groups, highlighting the need for true Synodality.

Discussion on Synodality and Decision-Making

• One participant raises concerns about the church\’s approach to Synodality, questioning its effectiveness in reaching marginalized groups.
• Msgr. Pedro acknowledges the issue, noting that the how of Synodality is often problematic, especially in involving marginalized communities in decision-making.
• The importance of allowing marginalized groups to be heard and included in decision-making processes is emphasized.
• He shares the realization from the national consultation that the process of Synodality is not always effective in practice.

Human Rights and Synodality

• Another participant raises the issue of human rights violations and the church\’s role in addressing them.
• Msgr. Pedro responds by acknowledging the church\’s limitations in addressing human rights violations at the parish level.
• The importance of focusing on a small, committed group to carry the message of Synodality is emphasized.
• He shares an anecdote about the challenges of implementing national pastoral plans and the need for a focused approach.

Synodality and the Peripheries

• Msgr. Pedro discusses the importance of Synodality reaching the peripheries, using Cardinal Tagle\’s statement as an example.
• The journey of Synodality begins in the peripheries, not in the center, and is emphasized as a key aspect of the church\’s mission.
• The role of the little flock in carrying the message of Synodality is highlighted, drawing parallels to Christ\’s teachings.
• He emphasizes the need for a focused and committed group to achieve Synodality, rather than a broad, general approach.

Challenges in Implementing Synodality

• Another participant shares concerns about the involvement of unaffiliated youth in the church\’s synodal process.
• The need for critical thinking and formation in the church is emphasized, drawing parallels to Cardinal Tagle\’s statements.
• Msgr. Pedro acknowledges the challenges and the need for a collaborative effort to achieve Synodality.
• The importance of connecting with like-minded individuals and groups to support the synodal process is highlighted.

Synodality and Decision-Making in Practice

• Another participant shares observations on the implementation of Synodality in different dioceses, noting variations in practice.
• The importance of local leadership and participation in the synodal process is emphasized.
• Msgr. Pedro shares an example from the 90s, highlighting the challenges of implementing basic ecclesial communities across dioceses.
• The need for a pluralistic approach to Synodality, allowing for diversity in practice, is emphasized.

Freedom of Expression vs. Decision-Making

• Another participant discusses the difference between freedom of expression and involvement in decision-making.
• The importance of involving marginalized groups in decision-making processes to create mutual understanding is emphasized.
• Msgr. Pedro agrees, noting that decision-making should involve those affected by the decisions, especially in parishes and the church.
• The need for a balanced approach to Synodality, involving both freedom of expression and meaningful participation, is highlighted.

Closing Remarks and Appreciation

• A certificate of appreciation is presented to Msgr. Pedro for his insights and challenges on Synodality.
• The Academic Director of ISA, expresses gratitude for the participants\’ engagement and looks forward to future discussions.
• The event concludes with a blessing and wishes for a grace-filled Christmas celebration.