Is Synodality Really About Us? Archbishop's Message to Priests

The recent assembly of clergy in Zamboanga City highlighted significant concerns regarding clericalism and entitlement within the Catholic Church, as articulated by Archbishop Julius Tonel. He emphasised that these issues undermine the Church’s mission and hinder lay participation, urging priests to recommit to humility, service, and simplicity.

Last updated: 10 February 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

On 10 February 2023, Archbishop Julius Tonel delivered a powerful message during the opening Mass of the 47th Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao assembly. This event, which brought together church leaders from 18 dioceses across Mindanao, served as a platform to address critical issues affecting the clergy and the Church's mission. Tonel's call for renewed commitment to humility and service resonated deeply, especially in the context of clericalism, which he believes discourages meaningful engagement from lay members.

Key takeaways

• Archbishop Julius Tonel warned against clericalism, entitlement, and complacency among priests.
• He emphasised the importance of humility, obedience, and active participation in ministry.
• Tonel called for a return to simplicity, urging clergy to prioritise service to the poor and marginalized.

Timeline: how we got here

Key developments leading up to the clergy assembly include:

• 1910: The Archdiocese of Zamboanga was established, becoming the mother church of Mindanao.
• 10–12 February 2023: The 47th Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao assembly was held in Zamboanga City, focusing on clericalism and lay participation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Archbishop Tonel's remarks at the assembly brought renewed attention to the negative impacts of clericalism and entitlement on the Church's mission. His emphasis on synodality and active lay participation reflects a growing recognition of the need for transformation within church leadership.

What was already established

The issues of clericalism and entitlement have been longstanding concerns within the Catholic Church, often cited as barriers to effective ministry and engagement. Previous discussions have highlighted the necessity for clergy to live simply and focus on serving their communities rather than seeking personal wealth or comfort.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The concerns voiced by Archbishop Tonel resonate beyond the Philippines, as similar issues surrounding clericalism and entitlement exist within the Catholic Church in the UK. Lay members may feel disillusioned if clergy appear disconnected from the realities of their communities, which could affect church attendance and participation.

Businesses and jobs

Church leaders in the UK may be prompted to reassess their approach to ministry, particularly in how they engage with lay members. As clergy embrace a more service-oriented mindset, this could lead to increased collaboration with local charities and social enterprises, enhancing community support.

Policy and regulation

In the context of church governance, Archbishop Tonel's message may encourage UK church leaders to consider reforms that promote accountability and transparency within their ranks. Discussions about synodality and lay participation could lead to policy changes aimed at fostering a more inclusive church environment.

Numbers that matter

• 18: The number of dioceses represented at the assembly, highlighting the widespread interest in addressing clericalism.
• 1910: The year the Archdiocese of Zamboanga was founded, serving as a historical reference point for the region's Catholic community.
• 3: The key virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience mentioned by Tonel as pathways toward effective ministry.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Clericalism: A belief in the superiority of clergy over lay members, often leading to a lack of engagement from the latter.
• Synodality: A principle of the Catholic Church that emphasises collaboration and participation among all members of the Church.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of the assembly, clergy in both the Philippines and the UK may begin to implement changes in their approach to ministry. This could involve convening discussions on lay participation and establishing guidelines for humility and service.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Church leaders may start to see the fruits of these changes as lay members become more involved in church activities, leading to revitalised communities. This period may also see the development of new programmes aimed at engaging the faithful in decision-making processes.

Signals to watch

• Increased participation rates in church activities and meetings.
• Feedback from lay members regarding their experiences with clergy.
• Changes in church governance structures aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage open dialogues between clergy and lay members.
• Promote community service initiatives that align with church teachings.

Don’t

• Avoid retreating into comfort and complacency.
• Neglect the voices and contributions of lay members in church decision-making.

Checklist

• Review current lay participation efforts and identify areas for improvement.
• Set measurable goals for increasing engagement within the community.
• Organise regular meetings to discuss ongoing challenges and successes.
• Foster a culture of humility and service among clergy.
• Encourage clergy to embrace simplicity in their personal lives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the assembly's discussions marked a positive step toward addressing clericalism, there remain uncertainties regarding the willingness of clergy to embrace change. Some may resist abandoning established practices, and the effectiveness of proposed reforms will depend heavily on the commitment of church leaders to foster an inclusive culture.

Bottom line

The assembly highlighted critical challenges facing the Catholic Church, particularly regarding clericalism and the need for greater lay participation. As church leaders reflect on Archbishop Tonel’s call for humility and service, the potential for renewal within the Church may hinge on their ability to engage authentically with their communities.

FAQs

What is clericalism in the Catholic Church?

Clericalism refers to a belief that the clergy holds a superior position over lay members, often leading to reduced engagement and participation from the latter.

How can lay participation be increased in church activities?

Encouraging open dialogue, establishing inclusive committees, and promoting community service initiatives are effective ways to enhance lay participation.

What are the key virtues mentioned by Archbishop Tonel?

Archbishop Tonel highlighted poverty, chastity, and obedience as essential virtues that contribute to a more effective and credible ministry.