VATICAN CITY (RNS) — It is hard for result-oriented Americans to understand that, for Pope Francis, the synodal process is more important than any decision, report or document that comes out of it.
Rather than focusing on these topics, Francis wants to overcome the polarization in the church so it can be a true sign and instrument of communion with God and with humanity. He wants the people of God to fulfill their responsibility to announce to the world the Good News of the Gospel, the love and mercy of God toward all humanity and indeed all creation. He wants the entire church to become synodal.
"…Until we raise a common voice, we will not only not be heard, we will not even be listened to…
My hope is that by speaking out together - a strong chorus of calls for reform - we can provide a common, clear, strong, and ongoing voice for the yet incomplete vision of Vatican II.
In common cause, let us band together across the world. By our desire to be heard on particular issues - all of them important - let us not lose the strength of our common voice by reducing it to a whisper.
In light of this, we invite individuals and organizations to join together in making known our opinions for the good of our Church. By uniting our voices, it is not about abandoning the unique work of your organization but rather about how your work can enhance global reform."
Sr. Joan Chittister, CCRI Special Advisor
"We have to join our forces in order to reach a real breakthrough in this window of opportunity."
