Listening a Synodal Church into Being: Learning Points from the Methodology of the Synod 2021-2024 and the Asian Experience

This article examines the multiple dimensions of listening entailed in the Synod on Synodality and highlights some challenges posed by the context of Asia. It then examines the outcomes of the synod consultation on the Asian continent and identifies key elements which enabled fruitful listening experience despite the anticipated barriers. These elements include a concerted stance of radical welcome in word and deed, the building of relationships along with structures, the integration of theology “from above” and “from below” through a pilgrim hermeneutic, and the use of consultation methods that embodied a spirituality of communion. The article discusses these elements alongside theological scholarship and church teachings on synodal processes, sensus fidei , and theological method. As such, its elucidation of these elements could help encourage synodal listening in practically effective and theologically relevant ways. It is hoped that this might in turn support future efforts to harness the sensus fidei and promote a more synodal way of being church and doing theology.