Fine-tuning synod: New procedures, but bishops won't make decisions

Published: 2005-07-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Whether suggesting fine-tuning or lobbying for a major overhaul, most bishops around the world agree that something has to be done with the Synod of Bishops. Pope Benedict XVI -- who as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger participated in 15 of the 20 general, special and regional synod assemblies held since 1965 -- has demonstrated that he, too, thinks changes are needed. However, bishops and others who hoped the synod would become a decision-making body rather than an occasion for offering advice to the pope may be disappointed. The Oct. 2-23 synod on the Eucharist will feature procedural changes reflecting not only the ideas of the new pope, but also the leadership of a new general secretary for the synods. Croatian Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, general secretary, outlined the changes at a July 7 press conference, saying synods would keep the bishops in Rome for less time, reduce the length of the speeches they have to listen to and give them more time for discussing issues with the entire synod body.

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