Bangkok archdiocese starts diocesan phase of synodal process

The archbishop of Bangkok said discernment is of "fundamental importance" in the process, adding that "the Spirit inspires us in the listening and discernment"

The Archdiocese of Bangkok has launched last month the diocesan phase of the global synodal process with the theme “Toward a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

“Listening, dialoguing, praying and discerning are the key activities at our synod,” said Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, archbishop of Bangkok, in his opening address.

The prelate said discernment is of “fundamental importance” in the process, adding that “the Spirit inspires us in the listening and discernment.”



He said that as “disciples of Christ” and as missionary disciples, everyone should be “inspired in going out to give witness to the love of God and to proclaim the Good News to the Thai people.”

Pope Francis has challenged the Catholic Church to “journey together” and urged the faithful to make the two-year synod a time for the Church to focus on the synodality itself.

In keeping with the Vatican’s recommendation, the Archdiocese of Bangkok has reached out to a wide range of lay groups that have traditionally been left out of church discussions, such as women, the handicapped, LGBTQ, the elderly, people who live in poverty, youth, and Catholics who rarely or never practice their faith.

Individuals who wanted to participate in the process but did not receive information from the diocese can pass along feedback to the diocese’s website.

The three-step synodal process includes a diocesan and national phase, a continental phase and a final, universal phase, which will be the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023.

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