### Synod on Synodality: A Landmark in Church's Journey Towards Reform

The recent Synod on Synodality marks a significant shift in the Catholic Church's approach to decision-making, embracing a more inclusive and participatory model. Traditionally, the pope would craft an apostolic exhortation based on a synod's final document, but this time, the synod itself has produced a magisterial text. Notably, 27% of the synod's body consisted of non-bishops, which means theologians and canonists will have ample discussion regarding the implications of this change.

The synod's final document underscores its connection to the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), asserting that the current synod is an act of "putting into practice what the council taught about the Church as mystery and the Church as people of God." The text claims this process "constitutes an authentic further act of the reception" of Vatican II, aiming to reinvigorate its prophetic force for today's context.

Regarding the role of women in the Church, the final document acknowledges ongoing obstacles that women face in fulfilling their "charisms, vocation, and roles." The synod calls for the inclusion of women in any leadership roles allowed by canon law. However, the question of women's access to the diaconal ministry "remains open," with a separate Vatican study group expected to report on this matter by June 2025.

Decentralization within the Church also receives significant attention. The text recommends that episcopal conferences take a more substantial role in adapting the faith to local cultures. Nonetheless, it stresses that such conferences should not undermine the authority of individual bishops or compromise the Church's unity or catholicity. The document further advocates for more plenary and provincial councils and urges the Vatican to expedite their conclusions.

While it condemns exclusion based on "marital situation, identity, or sexuality," the document notably refrains from using the term "LGBTQ."

The call for reforms extends to Church decision-making processes. The document encourages a "synodal" reform of canon law, seeking to eliminate the notion that consultative bodies possess "merely a consultative" vote. Greater participation of lay people in decision-making is urged, through new synodal structures and institutions. Church authorities, the document insists, must not ignore the conclusions of these consultative, participatory bodies.

On the topic of the "sensus fidei," the document characterizes it as the "instinct for truth of the Gospel" that all baptized individuals receive. It highlights that the people of God cannot err "when they show universal agreement in matters of faith and morals."

The synod's outcomes could lead to substantial changes within the Church, from how bishops are chosen to how governance decisions are made at various levels, including parishes, dioceses, and the Vatican. The final document envisages possible new synodal bodies, such as continental assemblies and an advisory council of Eastern Catholic leaders.

However, the document faced some resistance among delegates: over 27% opposed continuing to explore the possibility of women deacons, 13% voted against strengthening the role of episcopal conferences, 12% were against studying the possibility of making liturgical celebrations more synodal, and 11% opposed revising canon law from a synodal perspective.

Finally, the concept of synodality is described as "a path of spiritual renewal and structural reform." It's envisioned to make the Church more participatory and missionary, enabling it to accompany and engage with all people, radiating the light of Christ. The document points to Mary as the model of synodality, citing her attributes of listening, praying, meditating, dialoguing, accompanying, discerning, deciding, and acting.