Synod: Strict Rules to Regulate the Secrecy of Debates

Source: FSSPX News

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, emphasized the importance of two of the rules of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod which emanate from the internal directives of the Synod: confidentiality and discretion. Each synodal father will only have four minutes to say what he considers appropriate.

Cardinal Grech stressed that it is strictly forbidden to disclose one's own contributions or those of third parties expressed in linguistic groups or in plenary assemblies, as well as to make audio or video recordings.

This measure aims to ensure that all participants can freely express their thoughts in a protected environment during the Synod. In addition, Cardinal Grech indicated that the obligation of discretion remains in force until the end of the synodal assembly.

The internal regulations also include other provisions, such as the obligation for participants to report in writing any possible absence, which will only be authorized due to “serious reasons.” A conflict resolution committee will also be set up, in which the German bishop Felix Genn of Münster will participate.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, general rapporteur of the Synod, presented the basic document of the work in the Paul VI room and opened the first discussion module entitled “For a Synodal Church. A Complete Experience.”

In his speech, Cardinal Hollerich underlined that the synodal journey carried out so far has left a “collective memory” which includes thoughts, emotions, feelings, intuitions, doubts, fears, and enthusiasm. He urged participants to connect to this collective memory of God's people, and not limit themselves to their personal experience.

In other words, it is not the truth that counts, but the personal and collective experience of the participants, their “lived experience.” Faith is only a feeling.

The objective, according to Cardinal Hollerich, is to maintain a balance between the minor circles and the general congregation, favoring an overview of the Synod and avoiding drifting into details. He also stressed the importance of making themes concrete in order to avoid abstraction and generalization.

In the small “minor” groups, which will end on the morning of Saturday October 7 for this first module, the synodal “fathers” will have four minutes to express what they consider to be the most important and the most significant points. Bishop Hollerich insisted on the need to highlight the clear aspects and those which still need work, without fear of identifying the reasons for uncertainty or doubt.

The requirements for discretion and confidentiality can easily be understood as a means to avoid external interference. Furthermore, the Pope's violent charge against journalists, demanding that they “do their work well, with justice,” leaves many people perplexed.