Irish publisher launches Synodal newspaper ahead of historic Rome gathering

An Irish publisher has officially launched a new international newspaper, The Synodal Times, which he says will be dedicated to covering news and opinion on the global Synodal Process begun by Pope Francis.

“The old ways of elitist clericalism do not have the answers for today’s Church and only a genuine inclusive and honest engagement will work,” said publisher and editor Garry O’Sullivan, at the launch of The Synodal Times in Dublin yesterday.

“Synodality means recovering the lost skills in the Church of real listening and dialoguing, of moving away from a Eurocentric Church to a world Church speaking and listening to all its members”.

The October Synod in Rome is a “historic moment, a moment many had hoped to see in their lifetimes but didn’t – especially those who knew the spirit of renewal that came out of Vatican II” he added.

“The Synodal listening groups around the world all have expressed the fear that this process will go nowhere,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“After all the listening, after all the consultation, who is ultimately accountable in this process?

“There is a huge need for accountability from all who are participating in this October Synod, on whose shoulders rest the expectations of millions of Catholics around the world hoping and praying for a better Church”.

Mr. O’Sullivan said that The Synodal Times was launched to “keep the flame of synodality alive in the face of huge opposition which is increasingly hostile not only to the Synod but to the Pope.”

“This is an effort by us to say, we’re publishing the truth about this process, and it’s available to the Catholic world to read and digest,” he said.

“For the month of October, we are offering a free 3-month subscription to everyone interested in change and renewal in the Catholic Church.

“Just send your email to us at the address below and we’ll do the rest.

“We are also on newsletter platform Substack.”

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