BANGKOK (RVA News): National and diocesan synod teams play a crucial role in helping local Churches translate the vision of synodality into concrete practices, Father Enrico Emmanuel Ayo, associate secretary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC], told participants at a synod formation session in Bangkok on September 1.
Father Ayo addressed the afternoon session on “The Role of National and Diocesan Synodal Teams” at the Joseph Nittayo Conference Hall, Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre. Sixty-one delegates from 21 countries across Asia attended the session.
Presenting the role of synodal teams during the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, Father Ayo described the Church as a “synodal missionary Church” on pilgrimage, journeying together with Christ towards the Kingdom of God.
Drawing on Pope Francis’ reflections during the synod, he emphasised that the Holy Spirit, rather than human interests or ideological agendas, must remain at the centre of the synodal journey.
“The Holy Spirit is the protagonist of the synod,” Pope Francis said in 2023, warning that without the Spirit, a synodal gathering could become merely a parliamentary meeting.
Drawing on Pope Francis’ reflections during the synod, he emphasised that the Holy Spirit, rather than human interests or ideological agendas, must remain at the centre of the synodal journey
Father Ayo highlighted that the implementation phase should be a period of “learning by doing”. Local Churches are encouraged to explore new practices and structures that can make Church life more synodal and support the mission of evangelisation.
This includes theological and canonical study, discerning what is appropriate in different local contexts, creating opportunities for the People of God to journey and reflect together, and developing formation pathways that lead to tangible synodal conversion.
A significant part of the presentation focused on the role of diocesan and eparchial bishops. Father Ayo emphasised their responsibility to encourage and support the participation of all members of the Church—including those who are enthusiastic, hesitant, or resistant to the synodal process.
At the same time, Father Ayo identified clericalism as a major obstacle to communion and participation. The presentation stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly in matters involving abuse, pastoral leadership, planning, evangelisation, and respect for human dignity.
He described diocesan synodal teams as “laboratories of synodality”, where the dynamics of listening, discernment, participation, and co-responsibility can be practised and tested in concrete local situations.
Looking ahead, Father Ayo outlined the four-stage journey towards the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly: recollecting at the local Church level in the first half of 2027, interpreting at the national and regional levels in the second half, orienting at the continental level in early 2028, and celebrating with the universal Church in October 2028
Their tasks include promoting synodal dynamism, developing formation tools and methodologies, connecting synodal teams across ecclesial contexts, coordinating facilitators, and gathering the fruits of local implementation.
Father Ayo also distinguished synodal teams from existing diocesan participatory bodies. While synodal teams contribute to implementing the Synod through discernment of pastoral priorities and renewal of structures and decision-making processes, participatory bodies fulfil their consultative and proactive responsibilities under canon law. Regular coordination is needed to avoid duplication and confusion.
The presentation encouraged dioceses to form diverse synodal teams comprising lay women and men, priests and deacons, and consecrated women and men, representing different ministries, charisms, ages, cultures, and formation backgrounds.
Looking ahead, Father Ayo outlined the four-stage journey towards the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly: recollecting at the local Church level in the first half of 2027, interpreting at the national and regional levels in the second half, orienting at the continental level in early 2028, and celebrating with the universal Church in October 2028.
For the Asian Churches, the presentation placed national and diocesan synod teams at the centre of this ongoing journey, helping translate synodal discernment into practices suited to the diverse pastoral realities of the continent.
