Question for discernment
How can we imagine decision-making processes that are more participatory, which give space for listening and community discernment supported by authority understood as a service of unity?
The first step might be to discern which decisions merit a more participatory process, and which might not, and which might have different stages requiring different approaches. Thoughtful policies, for example, might require diligence from a larger number of people. A job search might be more expansive in the early stages, and involve a more narrow group, or even a single pastor, for the final selection.
Suggestions for prayer and preparatory reflection
1) What space do we make in our decision-making processes to listen to the Word of God? How do we make room for the protagonism of the Holy Spirit concretely and not just in words?
Here’s an excellent question for any church group of any size. Is the reading of Scripture, the time for intercessory prayer, and blending these with the situation a part of the process? Or do we just utter an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be and hope for the best?
2) How can conversation in the Spirit, which opens up the dynamism of community discernment, contribute to the renewal of decision-making processes in the Church?
I think any group would need an introduction to “conversation in the Spirit” and a mostly common understanding of it. I was struck by this recent piece on electing an abbot, and how much the wider Church can learn from the monastic movement.
How can it be drawn more centrally into the formal life of the Church and so become an ordinary practice?
Leadership from pastors would be the most effective.
What changes in canon law are needed to facilitate this?
I’ll leave that to experts in the law. I think that outside of canonical prescriptions, it’s an easy thing to involve people in decision-making.
3) How can we promote the ministry of the facilitator of community discernment processes, ensuring that those who carry it out receive adequate formation and accompaniment? How can we form ordained Ministers to accompany processes of community discernment?
People have the skills to do this, and many are good formators as well. If we aren’t doing it already, it would seem we lack the willingness and commitment for it.
Catholic Sensibility 