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World Converges in Rome for Synod
06-10-2008
Preparatory Work Reflects Universality of Church
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 6, 2008 (Zenit.org).- This month's synod of bishops was prepared with a questionnaire that brought together responses from the Church around the world, such that discussions in Rome would reflect ideas and concerns from around the globe.
The process for the study was explained today to the synodal assembly by its secretary-general, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic.
The research began with the selection of the theme, made by Benedict XVI. In September 2006, the Pope chose between three themes presented to him and the synod was set for "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church."
A council then prepared guidelines, which were published in April 2007 and translated to 10 languages, including Arabic and Chinese. This document concluded with 21 questions that would serve as a base for further study. Episcopal conferences, religious superiors and synods of Eastern Churches were given seven months to respond to the questionnaire. Nearly 80% did so, including 20 of the 24 episcopal conferences of America and 25 of the 36 African bishops' conferences.
In addition to these responses, other factors were taken into account to prepare the working document, including suggestions from religious, conferences and scholarly articles.
The "instrumentum laboris," or working document, was published in eight languages June 12. The synod participants base their interventions on that guideline.
