CPW discussion on the Synodal process and how it can help us discern CPW’s future
As members will know the church has just finished the first gathering in Rome of the Synodal process. At our BGM we thought it valuable to reflect on what is happening in the church and the implications for CPW.
For the first part of the BGM, Greg Ryan will introduce and bring us up to date on what has been happening so far. We will have time to discuss in small groups what the implications might be for CPW - how we relate to one another, what our purpose is and what that implies for how we move forward. As people of God we are invited to participate in the Synodal process and this is an opportunity to do so.
Timing
3.50pm Zoom opens
4pm Introduction by Greg Ryan on the Synodal process to date and possible implications for CPW.
4.40 - 5.10pm Discussion in small groups on the core themes - Communion, Participation and Mission.
Short break.
5.15 - 5.45pm Feedback and plenary.
5.45pm Short comfort break.
6 - 7pm BGM including: Reports from Chairs, Secretary and Treasurer; Election of new Trustees.
We are still open to new trustees - contact Brid Fitzpatrick if interested - 07766 774822. Questions from Members.
7pm Virtual nibbles and wine (well real drinks but still on Zoom) and further opportunity for general chat.
A Zoom link will follow…
Reading suggestions as background for the Synod discussion.
”We recall that the purpose of the Synod is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire, trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands.”
In order to allow a full discussion, you are invited to read some of the following documents to familiarise yourselves with what has been happening to date.
Our discussion is not intended to go over the ground of issues such as whether it is appropriate for a fuller participation of women in the church or whether same sex blessings are appropriate. Rather we hope we can begin to consider what the synodal process might mean for how CPW operates and how we move forward over the next couple of years.
The Vatican website has all the resources.
A Key documents is the main document for discussion during the synod particularly sections B1, B2, B3.
Other interesting material -
A summary of the material gathered from the local discussions - working document from the continental stage - ‘enlarge your tent’.
As more general background Father Timothy Radcliffe gave a series of beautiful homilies during the pre-synod retreat. Both text and video (you will need to scroll / fast-forward through the various presentation on the video to get to his talks). These are all short talks, and easy to read / listen to (but incredibly rich in wisdom and love:
First Meditation, “Hoping against hope”.
Second Meditation, “At home in God & God at home in us”.
Third Meditation, “Friendship”.
Fourth Meditation, “Conversation on the way to Emmaus”.
Fifth Meditation, “Authority”.
Sixth Meditation, “The Spirit of Truth”.
And if people prefer to watch rather than read, Clifton diocese had a series on the Synod process (including a session led by Greg Ryan).
Optional: Audio of Clifton Four “We are the People of God” talks on the Instrumentum (Gemma Symmonds, Greg Ryan, Jenny Sinclair, Philip Inch).
And finally as a prompt for the nature of the conversations we should be having - respectful listening allowing the voice of the Holy Spirit.