Eastern Catholic Church's synod in India seeks increased representation within the Church's hierarchy

The Almaya Synod, a historic first for the Syro-Malabar Church, concluded recently at the Renewal Center in Kaloor, India. This groundbreaking event was organized by Almaya Munnettam, a group of lay Catholics in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

The 16-member Committee for Structural Reformation of the Church, appointed by Almaya Munnettam, has been tasked with studying necessary changes for the improvement of the church's functioning. The committee's findings will be discussed in the upcoming laity synod.

The laity synod, described as "unprecedented in the history of the Syro-Malabar Church," preceded the Synod of Bishops, the top decision-making body of the church. Riju Kanjookaran, spokesperson for Almaya Munnettam, clarified that the laity synod is not a rebellious synod opposing the bishops' synod.

The Almaya Synod imbibed the spirit of the Vatican document on 'Synod on Synodality 2024', which emphasizes the importance of hearing the voices of the laity, including women and marginalized groups. The synod of laypeople also resolved to pursue the formation of a "Church Synod" in the Syro-Malabar Church, involving laity, priests, religious, and other stakeholders.

The special synod also resolved to seek 50% representation for laity, with women forming up to 40% of that share, in every decision-making body of the church. This representation should be through election, and there shall be no nominee from a bishop.

The resolutions passed in the laity synod will be handed over to the bishops. The Syro-Malabar Church, with nearly 5 million Catholics, is the second-largest among the 23 Eastern Catholic churches in full communion with the Vatican.

The 33rd Synod of Bishops is currently congregating at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters of the Syro-Malabar Church, from Aug. 18-29. As of now, the Synod of Bishops has not yet responded to the first-ever synod of laypeople in the church.

UCA News, an independent Catholic news service covering East, South, and Southeast Asia, reported on this historic event. The Almaya Synod marks a significant step towards a more synodal church, where the voices of the laity are heard and valued.

As the findings of the laity synod are discussed in the next laity synod, the future of the Syro-Malabar Church's structure and functioning hangs in the balance. The committee's recommendations, if implemented, could lead to a decentralized church at the local level, with the formation of diocesan synods involving all stakeholders.

Only time will tell if the Almaya Synod heralds a new era of synodality in the Syro-Malabar Church, where the laity, priests, and religious work together to shape the future of their faith community.

Eastern Catholic Church's synod in India seeks increased representation within the Church's hierarchy