The Sources of the New Synodal Doctrine (1)

We must set apart the Eastern Catholic Churches, which have a synodal structure that continues to play a major role in the life of these various Churches. In the Latin Church, on the other hand, a “synodal” life has developed in particular councils—which bring together countries or ecclesiastical provinces. These councils bring together bishops.

In addition to general or particular councils, since the 13th century and the Fourth Lateran Council, the Church has prescribed the annual meeting of a diocesan synod, essentially composed of clerics. The Council of Trent reiterated the same requirement, a sign that it was not very well observed. Once again, the habit would fade over the following centuries, except in France and Italy.

The Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1917 gave new impetus to diocesan synods. It specified that they were to be held every ten years, and that their composition was entirely clerical: in fact, they were an assembly of the diocesan ecclesiastics around their bishop. The Synodal Statutes published during this period are invaluable.

The Second Vatican Council

The Council repeatedly spoke of “communion” as a possible key to interpreting the mystery of the Church (Lumen Gentium in particular), in connection with the concept of the People of God. An “ecclesiology of communion” emerged from this and was the subject of a clarification by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1992. We shall see that the synodal movement refers to it.

On the other hand, Pope Paul VI instituted the Synod of Bishops on September 15, 1965, at the start of the Fourth Session of the Council, an institution which was to be introduced in the texts of Vatican II, especially in the Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church, approved on the following October 28, which “earnestly desires that the venerable institution of synods and councils flourish with fresh vigor.”

But there was no question of changing its immemorial composition. It is progressive circles that are going to achieve that. A prime example was the Dutch Pastoral “Council” which opened on November 27, 1966—but which had been launched before the end of Vatican II—and of which a good half of the members were lay people. It was a disaster, which still weighs heavily on the Church in the Netherlands.

The joint synod of German dioceses (Würzburg, 1971-1975) obtained Rome's permission to introduce laypeople, as long as they were a minority in relation to the clergy. The Synod of Swiss Dioceses (called “Synod ‘72,” 1969-1975) followed suit. Both assemblies also invited members of other Christian confessions.

The 1983 Code of Canon Law and Its Consequences

The Code promulgated by John Paul II in 1983 no longer fixes a regular period for the holding of diocesan synods, any more than it does for particular councils. What is more, it ratifies the authorizations given as exceptions to certain synods for lay participation, granting them access as full members.

According to Prof. Arnaud Join-Lambert, a specialist on the topic of diocesan synods since the end of Vatican II, “the promulgation of the new Code was followed very quickly by its effects. The first new-generation diocesan synod took place in France, in Limoges, in 1983, a synod in which lay people were not only delegates, but also members of the group in charge.”

He adds that “nearly 1,000 diocesan synods have been celebrated in the Catholic Church worldwide since the Second Vatican Council, not including alternative forms of diocesan assemblies or diocesan forums that do not meet the canonical conditions to be diocesan synods in the strict sense,” in a synthesis whose latest edition dates from 2018.

This quick overview shows that the “synodal renewal,” or rather the “new synodal doctrine,” is inspired firstly by the ecclesiology promoted by the Second Vatican Council; secondly by the institution of the Synod of Bishops; and thirdly by the renewed practice of diocesan synods, which introduces lay people as full members of these assemblies.