Ecclesial Governance in Unusual Times: A Theological Exploration of the Relationship between Synodality and Global Solidarity

Roman Catholic ecclesiology has remained largely hierarchical and so, synodality as a more inclusive and participatory model of ecclesial governance is still underdeveloped. This is notwithstanding the promotion of decentralization by Pope Francis as well as insights from ecumenical dialogue, partic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Okpaleke, Ikenna Paschal (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Peeters [2020]
In: Louvain studies
Year: 2020, Volume: 43, Issue: 3, Pages: 278-296
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Catholic church, Pope (2005-2013 : Benedikt XVI.), Verfasserschaft1, Caritas in veritate / Synodales Prinzip / Solidarity
IxTheo Classification:KAJ Church history 1914-; recent history
KDB Roman Catholic Church
NCC Social ethics
RB Church office; congregation
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:Roman Catholic ecclesiology has remained largely hierarchical and so, synodality as a more inclusive and participatory model of ecclesial governance is still underdeveloped. This is notwithstanding the promotion of decentralization by Pope Francis as well as insights from ecumenical dialogue, particularly with the Orthodox and the Anglican Communion. Yet, there are historical accounts of how moments of crisis (pandemics, wars) have altered the processes of decision-making in both the church and state. This article therefore examines the possibility of such realignment of ecclesial governance on account of solidarity. In other words, one asks: In what ways can the solidarity provoked by a pandemic, such as the COVID-19, lead to an intensification of synodality in Roman Catholic ecclesiology? Besides providing some historical and contemporary narratives of the relationship between solidarity and synodality in ‘unusual times’, the arguments provided in this article bring the sub-disciplines of theology into a fruitful conversation. Overall, the article aims to draw out the implications of solidarity for the self-understanding of the church.
ISSN:1783-161X
Contains:Enthalten in: Louvain studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.2143/LS.43.3.3288708