The Ho Diocese in Ghana has launched the Synod on Synodality, a two-year consultative process aimed at the “Church reflecting on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission.”
The process, which is on the theme, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” begins from October 2021 to October 2023, when it will be climaxed with the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican.
Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu SVD, Bishop of Ho who performed the launch during the 2021 Diocesan Priestly Ordination in Ho on Saturday, October 30, called for the support and cooperation of all faithful with the Diocesan Synod Committee for a successful process.
The Vicar-General, Very Rev. Fr. Walter Agbetoh, who chairs the committee, mentioned two major levels of engagement – the first being the Steering Group, consisting of the Priests, Catechists and Pastoral Councils with the second group being the Religious.
He indicated that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, engagements for members under the groups during the Synod period would be at the three Deanery levels throughout the Diocese.
The Vicar General also noted that when the Steering Group received information and the necessary education, they would then engage and involve the identifiable groups in the various Deaneries including Catholic Women, Youth groups, Catholic Men.
He said discussions were expected to focus on what the Church was already doing, the difficulties and how they could improve on them to “capture the Communion, Participation and Mission of the Church.”
Pope Francis, on Sunday October 10, 2021 performed the global launch of the Synod, which would be done in three phases – the Diocesan, Continental and universal levels within the 2-year period.
During the period, bishops around the world are expected to consult with everyone at the local Church level before coming together for a discussion in 2023.
