Synodality: A new way of being church, locally and globally

In a recent interview on Altos, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon shared insights from his experiences at the Synod in Rome, shedding light on the transformative power of synodality and its implications for both the global and local Church.

He emphasised that this “new operating system” for the Church, rooted in relationality, listening, discerning, and self-emptying, holds profound potential not only for ecclesial renewal but also for addressing the pressing challenges faced by Trinidad and Tobago.

Synodality: a bottom-up approach

Archbishop Gordon described the Synod as a “new way of being Church,” comparing it to updating a smartphone’s operating system. This shift marked a departure from the traditional top-down decision-making model, embracing a grassroots, bottom-up process.

Contributions from parishes around the world were synthesised into deliberations among 355 delegates, resulting in a refined ecclesial text.

In a significant departure from precedent, Pope Francis accepted the text in its entirety, elevating it to the Church’s ordinary magisterium without issuing an apostolic letter. This decision underscores the Synod’s emphasis on inclusivity and collective discernment.

“The Synod is a text for the Synod,” the Archbishop explained. “Relationality has to become the number one way forward for us as Church.”

Global transformation through dialogue

The Synod demonstrated the power of global dialogue in fostering transformation. Archbishop Gordon observed participants evolve from rigid positions to a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent stance.

“When you have China, Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America, and all parts of Asia and Oceania sitting in one hall, you hear perspectives you wouldn’t ordinarily encounter,” he shared.

This global exchange reinforced the Synod’s focus on the four verbs of synodality: relating, listening, discerning, and self-emptying—principles rooted in emotional intelligence and central to the Church’s new relational approach.

Synodality at home

Returning to Trinidad and Tobago, Archbishop Gordon quickly began implementing the Synod’s principles locally. On Saturday, November 16, he hosted another session mirroring the Synod process, involving 700 Church leaders alongside seminarians, priests, and parish representatives.

“We started with repentance and then did the work,” he explained. This method, inspired by the Synod in Rome, aims to embed relationality into Church governance and community life.

While progress is ongoing, Archbishop Gordon noted that the Church is “much more conscious” of its need for relational growth—a critical first step toward transformation.

Faith in action: addressing national challenges

The Archbishop tied these efforts to the broader challenges facing T&T, including crime, economic struggles, and societal despair. He highlighted issues such as youth suicide, bullying, and the hopelessness felt by the underemployed and unemployed as indicative of a nation grappling with profound difficulties.

In response, Archbishop Gordon called for a cultural and spiritual renewal grounded in forgiveness and relationality.

“We have to put down the debts of anger, unforgiveness, and prejudice,” he urged. By fostering respect, understanding, and empathy, he believes citizens can begin to heal as a nation.

The Archbishop also addressed the loss of the sense of the sacred, referencing threats to religious sites. He warned that such actions signify “deep peril” for the nation. “When a country loses the sense of the sacred, the most vulnerable are next,” he cautioned, urging citizens to respect sacred spaces and promote unity regardless of religious or cultural differences.

A call to hope and unity

As the Church prepares for the Jubilee year, Archbishop Gordon sees it as a pivotal opportunity for Catholics to lead by example. The Jubilee themes of forgiveness, mercy, and renewal align with the Church’s mission to be a light in the darkness.

“We are entering a Jubilee year, a year for grace, mercy, and love to flow from the heart of God into our society,” he said. “If we live this consciously as Catholics, we can do an immense service for our nation.”

The Jubilee will feature symbolic acts, such as the opening of seven “doors of grace” across the country, representing mercy and hope. These events, alongside major activities like a Eucharistic Congress, aim to inspire Catholics to embody hope and relationality in their daily lives, becoming agents of transformation for Trinidad and Tobago.

Living synodality every day

Archbishop Gordon’s reflections underscore the profound interconnectedness of synodality and societal renewal. By embracing the principles of listening, discerning, and self-emptying, Catholics can foster a more relational Church and contribute to national healing.

“Imagine if we could put ego aside for one year—just one year,” he mused. “It would become a habit, and the country would exhale and breathe again.”

Through synodality, the Church is not only redefining its mission but also positioning itself as a catalyst for hope and unity in challenging times. As the Archbishop put it, “We are moving toward a more relational Church, and with God’s grace, we can inspire hope and light in our nation.”

Assisted generation using ChatGPT.ai.