To understand the Church as a synodal community is a concept deeply rooted in Christian tradition and one that is receiving renewed emphasis in our time. The idea became widely discussed after the Synod on Synodality convoked in Rome by Pope Francis. The concept that the Church is a synodal community profoundly explains and influences the very nature and mission of the Church.

The Meaning of ‘Synodal’

The word Synod comes from the Greek words syn (together/with) and hodos (way/path). It literally means walking together. The Church becomes a synodal community when all her members-bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful-journey together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and participate in the mission of Christ.

The Three Fundamental Dimensions of a Synodal Community

As a synodal community, the Church stands on three foundational pillars: communion, participation, and mission.

1. Communion

The synodal character of the Church is rooted in the mutual relationship and unity within the Triune God-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Every member is interconnected. Living together in love and respect as one body in Christ the Head is the essence of communion. The Church is not merely an administrative structure but also a family. Though each one has different roles and responsibilities, all are fundamentally members of the same household of faith. The awareness of this spiritual bond strengthens the unity of the Church.

2. Participation

A synodal community reminds us that every member of the People of God has a role in the life and decision-making of the Church. Dialogue and attentive listening must occur at every level-from local parishes to the synods of bishops. Not only bishops and priests but also lay faithful, youth, and the marginalized must be invited to share their experiences and reflections. Listening to one another is the core of synodality. The Holy Spirit does not speak only to a few but through the collective conversation of the faithful. In the administrative and pastoral affairs of the Church, the laity should be entrusted with responsibilities according to their competence.

3. Mission

The ultimate goal of walking together is the fulfillment of the Great Mission entrusted by Christ to His Church. Evangelization, service, and the promotion of justice are not the duties of the hierarchy alone but the shared responsibility of all the baptized. When the Church deliberates together as a synodal community, it can discern the needs of the world around it and plan ways to bring the Gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth by making use of everyone’s gifts and abilities. The command of Christ to “go forth” is fulfilled collectively through this shared mission.

Challenges Facing the Church as a Synodal Community Today

Although synodality-walking together-is an inherent quality of the Church, becoming a fully synodal community in today’s context involves serious challenges, both internal and external.

1. Hierarchical Structure and Centralization of Power

The hierarchical structure that has existed in the Church since ancient times can become an obstacle to synodality.

Clerical concentration of authority: Decision-making often remains confined to bishops and priests, while the laity are seen merely as advisors. This mindset, dividing the Church into “rulers” (bishops and priests) and “the ruled” (lay faithful), contradicts the principle of participation.

Lack of accountability: Many lay people feel that their voices are neither heard nor influential in decisions, leading to apathy toward synodal processes.

Fear of change: Those in authority sometimes hesitate to share power or to accept reforms, hindering genuine collaboration.

2. Reluctance to Listen and Inadequate Formation

Though attentive listening is the very heart of synodality, putting it into practice remains difficult.

Absence of dialogue forums: At parish and institutional levels, there are few open and sincere spaces for dialogue. Even when they exist, they often become dominated by select groups.

Attitude of “knowing it all”: Some in leadership assume they already know everything, which diminishes the depth of synodal dialogue.

Lack of formation: Synodality is not merely about conducting meetings but about engaging in a spiritual process. Many clergy and laity lack adequate training in spiritual discernment, which makes it difficult to live out synodality effectively.

3. Apathy and Indifference

Including every member of the Church in the synodal process is itself a challenge.

Lay indifference: Many lay faithful still think that the administration of the Church is solely the duty of priests. Believing their voice carries no weight, they remain passive.

Fear of criticism: Many faithful, especially women and young people, hesitate to express their honest opinions, fearing disapproval or backlash from Church authorities.

4. Differences on Certain Issues

Divergent opinions on sensitive issues such as liturgy, Church property, and inter-community disputes sometimes turn synodal discussions into occasions of division rather than unity. In some Churches in Kerala, disagreements over liturgical practices and ownership of property have posed serious obstacles to a true synodal spirit.

5. Communal and Regional Challenges

In the Indian context, the synodal journey faces unique complexities.

Caste influence: Caste-based attitudes and discrimination among Christians contradict the ideal of communion. The inability to effectively listen to the voices of the marginalized-especially Dalit Christians-hinders the Church from becoming a true synodal community.

Inter-ritual tensions: Differences and jurisdictional conflicts among the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Churches in India slow down the synodal journey. The idea of “walking together” can be realized only when true cooperation and unity exist among all rites.

All these challenges are a call to spiritual conversion and structural renewal. For synodality to succeed, every member of the Church must be ready to speak fearlessly and to listen to others as if listening to the voice of God.

In Summary: The Role of a Synodal Community

Foster a culture of dialogue-encouraging open, fearless, and sincere conversation (parrhesia) among the faithful. Give priority to listening-especially to the voices of the marginalized and excluded. Discern together-through prayer and reflection, seek collectively what God wills in each situation.

A synodal community is not a temporary assembly but a way of being the Church itself. It renews the very structure of
the Church, making it more vibrant, participatory, and responsive to the world.

Rev. Dr. Tom Olikkarott