Processes for communal discernment: diocesan synods and assemblies

Abstract

Some years ago the English theologian. Nicholas Lash. reflecting on belief in God in contemporary western culture. repeatedly used the image ofa school when referring to the Church. At one point he said. "this, ... is the kind of school the church exists to be: a place within the wider culture in which contcmplativity. attentiveness, openness to truth, all truth. might--even in the present darkness. conflict and confusion-he learned in paticntlaoour waiting on the ending of God's utterance. God's word of peace," The Church at every level is a placeofancntivencss and learning. a place of discernment and response to God's word, calling people into communion of life with one another and ultimately with the community of life that is Father. Son. and Holy Spirit. Every effort at reform and renewal in the Church has to be grounded in attentiveness to God's word revlealed in the Scriptures. in the life of the whole Church. and in thc wider world. Therefore. a diocesan synod or assembly as an exercise in reform and renewal must listen attentively to the promptings of God's Spirit and in the light of this effect the necesssary reform.