Continental phase of Pope Francis's Worldwide Synod

Outreach to Church Reformers

Following phase one of the synodal process, the Document for the Continental Stage is expected to be published in late October 2022. It appears encouraging that out of a possible 114 responses from Bishops Conferences, 103 were received along with thousands of reports from other ecclesial groups. But it is even more encouraging that the Synod office has reported that “All continental assemblies should be ecclesial assemblies (of the whole people of God) and not just episcopal assemblies (bishops only). Therefore, the participants should adequately represent the variety of the People of God: bishops, priests, deacons, men and women religious, laity and laity.” As part of our research at Catholic Church Reform Int'l (CCRI) to jointly explore how to ensure that a balanced representation of the People of God is invited to participate in this phase, we are reaching out to reform leaders, reform organizations, and reform-minded individuals to determine the best next steps in this process. We feel that solidarity among reformers is key to the success of synodality.

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* 1. Now that the ecclesial phase of the synod has been completed, are you concerned about who will be selected to represent the People of God in the Continental phase?

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* 2. To what extent are you concerned about who will make the selections and whether a balanced representation of the people will be included in the continental phase?

A great deal

A lot

A moderate amount

A little

None at all

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* 3. Please explain your response

I am not concerned as I trust the bishops to have listened to the voices of the People of God, to reflect prayerfully with the Holy Spirit, and to select a balanced representation of priests, deacons, religious, and laity to be invited to participate in this phase of the synod.

In our region of the world, I have little faith in the bishops as a whole as far too many of them are overly traditional and will select their chosen "yes" people to join in this phase of the synod.

I have some hope with the bishops in our region but still have concern that the "backwardist" bishops as Pope Francis refers to them will prevail in their selection of those among the People who will be chosen.

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* 4. If you feel any concern at all, is it of great enough importance that you believe that reform leaders, organizations, and individuals should join together to form an organizing board to explore our options to ensure that a balanced representation of the People of God will be included in this continental phase?

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* 5. Would you personally be willing to serve on such a board?

Yes, I would be willing to serve on an organizing board.

No, I would not be willing to serve on such a board.

No, I cannot serve but could recommend others whom I feel would be good contributors to this project.

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* 6. If you answered yes to serve or could recommend others, please complete the following:

Name of person

Name of reform organization to which you or they belong

Country of residence

Email Address

Phone Number if preferred

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* 7. If you have a second name to recommend, please provide it here.

Name of person

Country of residence

Email Address

Phone Number if preferred

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* 8. Please let us know your name and country. If you wish to receive follow up information about the outcome of this survey, provide your email address.

Name

Country

Email Address

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* 9. Thank you for participating in this survey. If you have any further comment, please leave it here. Once you have completed the survey, please pass this link onto other leaders supporting the reform movement whom you think might be willing to serve on this organizing board.