Bishop launches Diocesan Synod in response to a changing world
Friday 14th April 2023Bishop John has announced the launch of a Diocesan Synod to prayerfully discern how we can address the needs of our diocesan community in a post-pandemic world.
The Synod was formally decreed at this year’s Chrism Mass, which took place on Wednesday 5th March during Holy Week.
In his homily, Bishop John reflected on the considerable changes our Church has witnessed over recent years, remarking that the time has come to envisage a new future for the Church in our diocese.
He said: “So, it’s time for us to see a challenge. A challenge as to what we need to be now in a changing world. What our people expect of us and for which they are so grateful to us in our ministry. How might we rethink things?
“Pope Francis is so clear, isn’t he, about each and every one of us having our part to play, but we are in a changing world, where we need to think globally.
“We need to see where do the Gospel values fit in this 21st century? How are we best able to promote and encourage people in faith?”
Our diocesan synod seeks to provide an answer to these questions by calling us to prayerfully discern what kind of Church the Spirit is calling us to be, to reflect on the needs of our diocesan community today, and to understand more about the opportunities we have to build up the Church in our part of Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Bishop John is clear that the process is not solely for Church leaders but must be a journey we embark on together to ensure each and every voice is represented in this new generation of our diocesan Church.
It will be a collaborative and participatory journey by which the people of Salford, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, can together set the future direction and priorities of the life and mission of our diocese.
As such, we invite you to join us on this journey. You can find out more about our diocesan synod by clicking here and further updates will be shared in parishes, on our website, and social media channels very soon.
We also ask that you keep our diocesan synod in your prayers as we work together to live out our call to be missionary disciples:
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