The Synod analyzes the relationship between global and local churches – Vatican News

Monsignor Joji Vadakara, Vatican News

The Synod of Bishops held at the Vatican discussed the importance of the connection with the global Church, including the local Churches, including the Eastern Churches, and the need to to preserve the uniqueness of the Eastern Churches. Bishops want to ensure not only the survival of the Eastern Churches, but also their growth. In a press conference held in the Vatican regarding the activities of the Senate, the President of the Vatican Dicastery for Communications Affairs and the President of the Senate Communications Commission, Dr. Paulo Ruffini contacted. He said that the synod said that the special things of each local church should be preserved and that they should be considered as a gift and not as a threat to the global church. He also explained that the uniqueness of the Eastern Churches should be preserved even in the immigrant areas where the Latin Church is the majority.

In discussions related to church activities in Rome and other local churches, said Dr. Ruffini clarified. He also told that discussions about keeping Easter on the same day with different brother churches were taking place in the Senate.

The Secretary of the Senate Communications Commission, Shayla Peeres, said that the idea that synodism is not something that weakens the Church has not appeared in several discussions. It was also discussed how important it is to pay more attention to the voices of church members who are going through hardship. The Secretary of the Communications Commission said that the need to work together with the laity was clarified to continue the struggle of faith.

The need to ensure pastoral service in the digital sector, and the need to include women and youth in church activities, said Dr. Ruffini called.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Avelien from France spoke about the roles and actions the Church should be able to take on issues in the Mediterranean region, especially wars, corruption, immigration, etc. He reminded that the church can greatly contribute to efforts for justice and peace.