Synod-So-Far Summarized in 19 Questions

(October 16, 2008) The proposals arising from the world Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in the life and mission of the Church were summarized Wednesday afternoon with 19 questions offered by the relator-general. The questions were delivered today as part of a 70-minute Latin address by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, archbishop of Quebec City, which concluded the 5-minute interventions from the prelates and auditors. The address summarized all that has arisen thus far in the week and a half of synodal work, including some 230 interventions before the general congregations. The questions range from fundamental issues, such as "what can be done to help the faithful better understand that the Word of God is Christ," to concrete suggestions, such as, "how to educate in the practice of lectio divina." Cardinal Ouellet's address, given in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI, will serve as a base for the working groups in the coming days. The questions include, the understanding of the word of God, liturgy in relation to the word of God, educating people to listen to the word of God, lectio divina, preparing homilies from the word of God, its ministerial character, translating the Bible, relationship between theologians and exegetes, Scripture in relation with the magisterium, the Ecumenical unity and union with the Jews, Inter religious understanding, the working of the spirit and the authentic inculturation of the Gospel message.