Catholic bishops in Latin America continue to stress the evolution of a synodal Church that involves participation of all members, rather than just making decisions based on the Episcopal collegiality.
Several leading figures of the Latin American Episcopal Conference (CELAM) underlined the need to transform the Church in their continent during the bishops virtual general assembly this week.
The four-day assembly concluded on May 21.
The conference aims to set up a synodal Church, which walks with the People of God and the Episcopal Conferences, said conference president Peruvian Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos of Trujillo. We want to lay the foundations of a synodal Church in the continent, to move from episcopal collegiality to synodal collegiality, Archbishop Cabrejos said addressing the assembly s opening session on May 18.
Latin American Bishops focus General Assembly on renewal process
The Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) began its 38th General Assembly on 18 May, finalizing its reorganization and renewal process started in 2019.
By Lisa Zengarini
The Latin American Bishops meeting, which runs until 21 May, was originally planned in Puerto Rico but, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is being held virtually instead.
The General Assembly is attended by 85 participants, including six cardinals and fifty bishops, under the theme: “Weaving dreams, renewing commitments”.
Nine renewal principles to be approved
The assembly, which will be deliberative, is expected to approve nine reorganization and renewal principles, following a two-year consultation process, in which all its 22 member Bishops’ Conferences have been involved.