Synod outline says Bible is source of Christian unity, bond with Jews

Published: 2007-04-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Bible is a source of Christian unity and is evidence of Christianity's special bond with the Jewish people, said the outline for the next world Synod of Bishops. The theme of the synod, scheduled Oct. 5-26, 2008, will be: "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church." While focusing specifically on the Bible, the synod's outline emphasized Christian belief that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of the word of God and that the entire Bible can be understood only in reference to Jesus. The "lineamenta," or outline, of the synod's theme was released at an April 27 Vatican press conference. The document contains dozens of questions about what Catholics know and understand about the Bible and its relationship to the teaching of the church. Bishops' conferences and other groups were asked to respond to the questions by November. The responses will form the basis of the synod's working document.

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