The Synod has been called by Pope Benedict. Bishops are coming together from all over the world to explore the theme of The New Evangelisation. The Synod has been called to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th Anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It also marks the inauguration of the Year of Faith.
I’ve been asked to to as a Fraternal Delegate representing the Anglican Communion. There are about a dozen Fraternal Delegates at the Synod representing different churches across the world and scattered among several hundred Roman Catholic bishops.
Most of the Synod will be spend listening to other people but every fraternal delegate is invited to speak to the whole Synod for around four minutes. I’m thinking hard about what to say.
It’s a real privilege to be attending and I’m looking forward to it. The Synod lasts for three weeks. I’m there for the first twelve days (in plenary) and the final three days. In between, I have to come back to fulfil commitments in the Diocese. The Archbishop of Canterbury is giving one of the major addresses to the whole Synod part way through the plenary time.
I’ve enjoyed the preparatory reading (more on that later) and I think I’m going to learn a lot. I have a long standing interest in catechesis (teaching the faith to new Christians), apologetics and forming fresh expressions of church.
I’m hoping to use this blog initially to pass on some of the reflections and the lessons. Beyond that, who knows.