In Bishop John's Pastoral Letter marking the first Sunday of Advent, he launches the Diocesan Stage of the Universal Synod called by Pope Francis, entitled ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. Bishop John explains:

"A Synod is not a debating event where people bring their arguments and opinions in order to win a discussion. A Synod is a prayerful journey of listening to what the Holy Spirit may be saying to the Church at this time so that we may live the Gospel values and continue the mission of Christ in our own times, with the present needs and opportunities. We are all invited by Pope Francis to take part. Indeed the very word Synod means on a journey TOGETHER. It is important that in our Diocese we listen to each other, we listen to the voices of those not in the church pews, and together we listen to the Word of God which has been handed down to us.

In our Diocese this can be the first step in a longer and deeper listening journey to help us shape the Diocese for the future, building on the work of Hope in the Future and other positive initiatives. In this journey it is important that we hear from people who have drifted from the Church and feel that the Church does not offer them the assistance that they need or is not fulfilling its mission as they understand it. We will need to listen to those on the margins of the Church or of society and those who feel excluded from either. It will be important to hear, also, from people of other traditions about how they perceive the Church."

Listen to a recording of Bishop John explaining the synodal process here.

You can participate in the first stage of the Synod collectively or individually by providing your feedback to us.

Pope Francis has provided us with a set of Reflection Questions to address, both personally and in group meetings. These can be found here.



You can submit your feedback online individually here or download the paper version here.

To answer as a parish group, download this document.

The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 1st March 2022. Your contribution is invaluable and will make a considerable difference to the future of the church in our diocese and across the world.

For more information on how to participate in the Synod, visit: www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/synod/