Vatican News: European Synodality Conference discusses baptism, listening and leadership

The European conference on synodality in Wels, Austria, identifies baptism, listening, relationships and a new culture of leadership as key areas for the Church’s path ahead. At the conclusion of the symposium, conference chair Klara Csiszar proposed the establishment of a “European Church Forum for Interpreting the Signs of the Times.”

By Gudrun Sailer – Wels, Austria – link

The European conference on synodality—a spiritual and theological forum—brought together Churches from all corners of the continent, and interpreted social developments in the light of the Gospel. Pastoral theologian Klara-Antonia Csiszar, Vice-Rector of the Catholic Private University Linz and head of its Department of Synodality, said the European Church Forum also connected experiences from local Churches and explored new forms of synodal cooperation.

The three-day event, “Shaping Synodality in Europe,” brought together 187 participants from 31 countries stretching from Portugal and Iceland to Ukraine at Schloss Puchberg, an educational centre near Wels—a city near Linz. In 21 table groups, participants worked with the “Conversations in the Spirit” method used during the Synod on Synodality, placing particular emphasis on listening, personal experience and spiritual discernment. Each of the three days began and ended with liturgies and prayers. The final prayer was led by Frère Matthew, Prior of the Taizé Community.

The content

The keynote theological presentations highlighted different dimensions of a synodal Church. The Prague theologian Tomáš Halík described the secularization of Europe as an ambivalent process. It has weakened the Church’s influence and the transmission of faith, but at the same time it has promoted freedom of conscience and broken the close ties between religion and political power. For Christianity, therefore, the loss of social privileges could also represent a process of purification and lead the Church towards a more dialogue-oriented presence in a pluralistic society. Gabriele Eder-Cakl used pastoral examples from various countries to illustrate how Europe’s Churches are responding to migration, ecumenism, digital ways of life and the growing number of young people seeking baptism.

On the third working day, Jesuit theologian Christoph Theobald emphasized the equal dignity of all baptized people as a theological foundation for shared responsibility in a synodal Church. Canon lawyer Myriam Wijlens examined the concrete implications of this baptismal dignity for leadership and decision-making processes. Wijlens also pointed to existing provisions in canon law that allow for greater participation by lay people and women in Church leadership.

From the table-group reports

Drawing on the reports from the table groups, Csiszar identified several themes for a European roadmap. The discussions had brought together experiences, tensions, hopes, contradictions and open questions. The pastoral theologian described the results of this conference as “a space of spiritual resonance.” 

One particular focus was baptism as the common foundation of dignity and responsibility. Csiszar posed the question: “If nothing is truly greater than baptism, why does it so often have so little visible influence on our life as a Church?”

Listening also played a central role in the discussions. The Church needs to become more attentive to the questions that actually concern people and to how their experiences might change the way the Church acts. “Listening means allowing oneself to be interrupted,” Csiszar said. The table groups also emphasized hospitality, closeness and accompaniment. In this regard, parishes would remain important places where people could experience recognition and community and develop trust.

“The wounds of Europe”

War, displacement, polarization, loneliness, abuse and religious alienation were discussed under the heading “The wounds of Europe.” Csiszar contrasted these with a longing for peace, community, dignity, justice and hope. Young people, the theologian said, should not be regarded merely as a target group for pastoral programs. They are believers, seekers, questioners and gifted individuals who can help shape the life of the Church and take on responsibility.

Csiszar also saw concrete implications for leadership and decision-making processes. The table-group reports called for clearer pathways for consultation, responsibility, decision-making and accountability, as well as effective participation. An ecclesial office “is not a possession. It is service—service to unity, service to discernment and service to the mission of the whole Church,” she said. As possible spaces for experimentation, Csiszar mentioned vocation coaching, accompaniment for bishops and other leaders, and vocation academies.

The Synodality Research Group and the European task force will now continue to evaluate the results of these discussions. The table-group reports are to be submitted to the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) Presidency and sent to the participants. The resulting roadmap is also intended to feed into further European consultations ahead of the 2028 assembly of the Synod at the level of the universal Church.

Csiszar also mentioned a possible symposium in 2027 in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, as a further step. The Catholic Private University Linz organized the “Shaping Synodality in Europe” conference under the patronage of the CCEE. Its President Archbishop Gintaras Grušas and the two Vice-Presidents, Cardinal Ladislav Nemet and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, represented the CCEE Presidency at the conference.