The leading theologian of the Synod on doctrinal decentralization: The function of the Episcopal Conference must be appreciated

What does it mean that the Church should be decentralized doctrinally? This was discussed during a press conference at the Synod about Synodality by 1 of the most crucial synodical theologians, Fr. Prof. Dario Vitali. He pointed out the doctrinal competences of bishops and the Episcopal Conference.

During a press conference in the Vatican on the course of the Synod on Synodality, 1 writer asked a question about alleged doctrinal decentralization. It would be to pass on any kind of doctrinal competence to the Episcopal Conferences. The writer wanted to know whether the Anglican community would be a model of change, where doctrinal teaching differs from the region.

Fr Dario Vitali, a prof. of teaching theology at the Pontifical University of Gregorian, who specializes in ecclesiology after the Second Vatican Council, answered the question. Fr Vitali was a associate of the Preparatory Commission of the Synod on Synodality and besides a coordinator of theological experts.

Fr Vitali addressed the paper at the beginning Apostolos suos St. John Paul II of 1998. As he stressed, this is simply a very restrictive paper which draws many competences distant from the Episcopal Conference. He reminded me that Apostolos suos, referring to the Code of Canon Law, at the same time grants the Episcopals the doctrinal powers in matters specified as issuing catechisms for a given area. – This does not mean that [the Episcopal Conference] can make dogmas, but that in the area for which the Episcopal Conference is liable it can adapt language according to the given context and mention to the problems that this context creates - He said.

The theologian then referred to the paper Praedicate evangeliium Pope Francis of 2022, pointing out that the return to greater designation of the function of the Episcopal Conference is part of the "healthy decentralization" of the Church.

– As a theologian, I must remind you that bishops are competent in everything that concerns doctrine. This means that in the pyramidal church, the Pope has quite a few competence for maintaining unity, but any bishop may mention to all issues, which is not only his duty, but besides an expression of concern for the welfare of the faithful - He said. As he stressed, the Episcopal Conferences may make any doctrinal proposals to support pastoral companionship.

The subject is 1 of the absolutely key issues of the Synod on Synodality, as there is already a large diversity in teaching religion in the Church, depending on the region. In any dioceses homosexual couples are blessed and portrayed as poorly justified by their actions, in others they point to the principled wickedness of homosexual acts and about as affirmative an approach as this is not the case. akin diversity affects many another areas, hence the question of the responsibilities of individual bishops and episcopates is burning.

Fr Dario Vitali did not explain whether the present state of affairs was acceptable or even worthy of further improvement or, on the contrary, should be transformed for greater unity. The dynamics of the synodical process indicates that it is alternatively the first possibility, that is, further deepening differences, depending on the region and culture, as demonstrated by, for example, the various reactions to the declaration "Fiducia supplicans" of December 2023.

Source: PCh24

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