To be preceded by Congresses for the Laity and Religious the First Synod of the Archdiocese of Atlanta has been convoked by Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan for November 20-22, 1966. Father Michael Manning, pastor, of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Decatur, is the general chairman.

Every ten years, it is required by Canon Law of the Church, that each diocese convene a Synod “to consider measures for the welfare of the clergy and people of the diocese.” (Canon 356) In 1939, Archbishop Gerald P. O’Hara called the Synod for the diocese then known as “Savannah-Atlanta.” These statutes retained their force in 1956 when the new Diocese of Atlanta was formed under Bishop Francis E. Hyland’s direction, and in 1962 when the diocese was raised to the rank of an archdiocese.

To insure the due part to be taken by the Religious and laity in the life of the Church, Congresses for both groups will be held before or after Easter at a date yet to be set by the archbishop. It is hoped that delegates from both Congresses will present to the committee for the Synod their own recommendations for consideration. Lay delegates will be chosen from all parishes of the archdiocese. Religious delegates will also be named from their own ranks. Herbert G. Farnsworth of Christ the King Parish is lay chairman, and Sister Mary Virginia, principal of Christ the King School, is chairman of the Religious.

Every priest of the archdiocese - diocesan and religious, pastors, assistants, teachers and staff - will be called to the Synod by the archbishop. Although they constitute a “consultative body,” the advance work of committees, ample time for study of recommendations by these committees, and free discussion of all issues assures a highly responsible role for all.

According to Canon Law, the bishop is sole legislator, (Canon 362). But the participation of all priests in the preparation and discussions of the decrees, and the recommendation to be made by the Lay Congress insure that the Synod is a truly consultative body.

Planning committees for the Lay and Religious Congresses are already at work sifting recommendations to be presented. They will be voted on at the Congresses before submission to the Synod.