Synod Synthesis Receives Positive Feedback

(October 20,2008) Participants in the world Synod of Bishops on the Word of God are now focusing their efforts on discussing Cardinal Marc Ouellet's synthesis of the assembly to date, offering both high praise and mild criticism. The synod's relator-general released Wednesday the summary of over 230 five-minute presentations made by synod fathers, auditors and fraternal delegates. The archbishop of Quebec's 40-page address included 19 discussion questions that guide the bishops and auditors within the 12 language-based small groups. During the week's subsequent small groups and free discussion hours, synod members began answering these questions while also commenting on the report itself. "It was a very comprehensive and illuminating report," said Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Episcopal conference. "It will give us an opportunity to learn more about the cardinal's point of view," he continued. "And they also give us an opportunity to speak about what is lacking." Specifically, Cardinal George said that he had hoped for reference to "the heart of the Gospel [being] the mercy of God and the forgiveness of sins." Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, recently elected as a member of the synod's Commission for Information, maintained that the Summary contained most of the themes raised by the synod fathers. "The bishops are responding very positively toward it," he commented. He pointed out that, beyond the text itself, Cardinal Ouellet's presentation was also memorable for the human quality of its presentation. The discussion group phase of the synod leads to the final propositions, upon which synod participants will vote before they are given to Pope Benedict XVI. The Holy Father is later expected to write a post-synodal apostolic exhortation. In addition to homilies at the opening Eucharistic celebration and the memorial Mass for Pope Pius XII, the Pontiff addressed the synodal assembly with an unscripted speech during the Oct. 14 morning session. The Pope's evaluation of historical-critical exegesis was later reflected in the Summary presented.