Including the Wisdom of the People of God through Consultation

I am proud of the fact that my “Pop” (step-father) is a Veteran, having served in the Army for a few years during the Cold War. When Pop and I talk about leadership in the Church, he is quick to point out the similarities with his experience in the Army – most obviously, neither is a democracy! Like the military, the Catholic Church is often thought of as having a “top-down” leadership style, with a strong hierarchy of authority figures. There are definite benefits and clarity in this structured leadership – especially in times of warfare (physical or spiritual) when our earthly or eternal life is at stake. However, any organization that follows only a rigid, top-down approach does so at its own peril. Not only does this fail to show respect for the dignity of all the members, but the organization fails to benefit from the ideas, insights, and interaction of the majority of its members. Businesses and the military had to learn the value of listening to all members through trial and error, while in the Church we were taught this by Jesus himself. In all institutions we sadly have to re-learn it many times through the painful errors of our human leaders.

While the teachings of the Church are based on God’s ways and cannot be determined by popular vote, the Second Vatican Council reminded us that the “Sensus Fidei” (the spiritual sense of the Faithful collectively) is one of the ways the Holy Spirit guides the Church. Jesus taught us that every human person has dignity, and thus we are obligated to show them respect. Christ reinforced this teaching by his example of reaching out to those who were often disregarded, by asking people to share their experiences and needs, and by taking those into account in his responses. Think of Bartimaeus last Sunday, or the disciples on the way to Emmaus. The Church has done this in many ways through the centuries, from grass-roots efforts and Pastoral Councils in parishes, to diocesan synods, which are extended gatherings of people from various parts of the diocese to advise the bishop on aspects of his leadership of the People of God. Several years ago, Pope Francis even consulted Catholics from throughout the world in preparation for the Bishops’ Synod on the Family.

Once again, the Pope is striving to consult you and me, the People of God, in preparation for the next Bishops’ Synod on “Synodality” – that is to say, a discussion about how Church leaders foster discussion and consultation with the People of God, including lay members of the Faithful, clergy, and religious. In our own archdiocese, this process is beginning with a preliminary survey (described below) and we ask you to consider participating in it. There will be further questions discussed in our Councils and in regional meetings open to all Catholics.

It takes more time and effort to have genuine, ongoing consultation in the Church, for sure. Yet you share in the gift of wisdom from the Holy Spirit, informed by your own faith and life experience. We need to continue to explore ways to invite you to share your wisdom and perspectives with the rest of the Body of Christ, of which you are integral members!
- Fr. Joe