Reading the Final Synod Document

Part 4: The Conversion of Bonds

Part 4: The Conversion of Bonds:
The geeky week exploring Vatican Dicasteries, Episcopal Conferences, relating to other churches and religions, the role of the Pope and more

Avril Baigent had a great conversation with our guest speaker Professor Cathy Clifford , on the fourth chapter called ‘The Conversion of Bonds’, talking about how the concept of parishes is being redefined in the face of rapid change, reflecting on how we personally view power structures, and the importance of lay people understanding these structures and how decisions are made.

Professor Cathy Clifford is Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Canada. Her research interests and publications are focused primarily in the areas of ecclesiology, ecumenism, and the history of the Second Vatican Council, with a particular emphasis on the understanding of conversion and renewal of the churches, the development of doctrines, and the unity and diversity of Christian communions within the world Christian movement. She was a delegate to the Rome Synod Assembly and served as an elected member of the 2024 Synod on Synodality’s drafting commission for the final document.  

This event is the fourth in a series of conversations hosted by the School for Synodality and synod experts to reflect on the Final Synod Document in more depth. For 6 weeks, the School for Synodality’s Director Dr Avril Baigent unpacks with guest speakers a different section, reflecting on its theological and practical implications, with time for questions afterwards.

Watch Part 4: ‘The Conversion of Bonds’ with Cathy Clifford below:

The Conversion of Bonds - reflection questions:

  • Reflect on what you know about the universal church, and how if at all, it affects your local church development. Do you feel the connection could be improved, and how?

  • Many parishes have changed over the years, from being spiritual and social hubs to dwindling attendance, and the document gives a new vision for the concept of parish life. How do you interpret the word ‘parish’ now in the wake of rapid change? Who would you like to see be inspired by new approaches?

  • What do think about the phrase 'the exchange of gifts' from the Synod Document?

  • How could current approaches be improved with a synodal mindset? And where would we see this best played out - between local churches all the way up to Diocese and Vatican Dicasteries?