The Future of Synodality

Reviews / Votes

"During the two synod sessions in Rome I experienced first-hand what it means to be a listening, participatory, and consultative church. And it was a deeply consoling experience that changed my understanding of the universal church. This superb new book is a wonderful resource to help people to begin, and continue, the synodal journey. It reminds us that synodality is a practice with deep historical roots and with solid theological foundations, and it offers concrete steps on how to move forward."
James Martin, SJ, editor at large of America Media "This important book lives up to its claim to being both an accessible explanation of the vision of a synodal church, as well as a spiritual and practical guide to embedding that vision into church life. Following the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality, the journey of 'synodalizing' the church will benefit greatly from this hope-filled work. It is essential reading for those who wish to understand the ongoing impacts of a truly synodal church."
Ormond Rush, Australian Catholic University "Colberg and Moons offer a rich testimony to the process of the Synod on Synodality (2021-2024), rightly pointing to its foundation in the Second Vatican Council's recovery of an understanding of the shared dignity of all the baptized faithful, their shared belonging to the pilgrim people of God, and co-responsibility for the life and mission of the church. This book is an indispensable resource for understanding the synod's aim of helping us to become a truly synodal church in practice and for receiving the orientations contained in its final document. It should be required reading for bishops, pastors, deacons, lay leaders, and all those preparing for ministry in the church today."
Catherine E. Clifford, professor of systematic and historical theology, Saint Paul University, Ottawa "If synodality is 'journeying together,' I can think of no better guide along the way than this book. It's Rick Steves for the pilgrim people of God! Theologically grounded and pastorally realistic, Colberg and Moons provide an exemplary introduction to what is perhaps the most important development in the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council. It is simply the best single volume out there for understanding and advancing Pope Francis's vision of a more participatory, collaborative, and hopeful church."
Edward P. Hahnenberg, Breen Chair for Catholic Systematic Theology, John Carroll University "As the Church walks forward in the season of implementing synodality on the local, regional, and universal levels, this book is for those who seek to turn this promising springtime into a fruitful harvest. Rooted in theological and historical foundations, Kristin Colberg and Jos Moons move from the what of synodality to the how,offering tools for cultivating the conversion of attitudes, behaviors, structures, and practices to synodalize the Church's life and mission today."
Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod "Synodality is a developing and all too often abstract term. In these early days, more work is needed to help us fully grasp its potential to transform our communities. This book expertly fills that gap. It offers a primer on the theological and historical origins of synodality while offering concrete suggestions for the attitudes, structures and practices of personal and communal conversion required to unlock the radical possibilities of synodality to meet the needs of our hurting and rapidly changing world."
Avril Braigent, facilitator at the Synod of Bishops, Co-Founder and Director of the School for Synodality (UK) "Colberg and Moons offer an impressive contribution both to 'understanding' synodality and to 'developing the practical art' of synodality. Their scholarship invites serious reflection: it engenders passionate commitment to weaving synodality into the daily and structure life of the missionary disciples who continue the life-giving mission of Jesus. Everyone interested in the reform and renewal of the Church today will be enriched by this work."
Studia Canonica "Through the synodal process, Pope Francis called the church to reimagine our common discipleship by reflecting on communion, participation and mission. He envisioned an inclusive ecclesial community of shared ministry. In this book, Kristen Colberg and Jos Moons suggest some frameworks for making his vision a reality. This book stresses the common identity of the people of God and the shared ministry of the Word. It argues that our baptismal identity imbues us with a shared charismatic presence in the world as disciples of Christ. The authors make a strong case for how the church should embrace the Synod on Synodality as an invitation to renewal and reform so that all baptized Christians can effectively respond to its invitation to communion, summons to participation, and commitment to mission."
Ferdinand Okorie, CMF, Editor-in-Chief, U.S. Catholic "This is an important book. It points us in the right direction and moves us onward with great hope."
Catholic Books Review