Bishop Eleganti Critiques Synodality's Shift from Christ-Centred Proclamation to Organisational Focus

Bishop Marian Eleganti, a Swiss Catholic bishop and member of the Benedictine Order, is the latest prelate to express concerns regarding the current direction of the Catholic Church, particularly in relation to the concept of synodality and its implications under Pope Francis' pontificate (you can find his blog here in German and Italian).

Bishop Eleganti's Article has four main themes:

1. Synodality and Its Emphasis: Bishop Eleganti acknowledges the value of consultation and mutual listening within the Church. However, he critiques the current emphasis on synodality, suggesting that it has become a central focus overshadowing the Church's primary mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ. He points out that discussions often centre around organisational structures and inclusivity, rather than the core message of salvation through Christ. This allegation of introspection has been levelled at Pope Francis numerous times now, and the clear direction he has chosen to travel seems starkly in contrast with his call early in his Pontificate for the Church to move beyond introspection and to engage more actively with the world in its mission of evangelisation.

2. Inclusivity and Universal Salvation: The bishop expresses concern that the Church's current approach tends toward an unconditional inclusivity, implying universal salvation without sufficient emphasis on the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ. He warns that this perspective may dilute the Church's teachings on salvation and the importance of personal conversion and faith. Indeed, what need for a Church or Christ's sacrifice on the Cross if everyone is saved regardless? A direct example of the Pope's confusing rhetoric in this regard would be his comments in September 2024, during an interreligious meeting in Singapore, Pope Francis remarked, "All religions are a path to reach God. They are – I make a comparison – like different languages, different idioms, to get there. But God is God for everyone." This statement prompted controversy, with many Catholics expressing deep concern that it is a clear departure from Catholic doctrine on the role of Jesus Christ in salvation.

3. Christocentric Proclamation: Eleganti emphasises that the Church's primary mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ as the sole path to salvation. He laments that contemporary Church discourse often prioritises social, psychological, and pastoral issues over the fundamental message of Christ's divinity and redemptive role. The clear misdirection the bishop recognises and highlights here can only continue to confuse anyone seeking Christ & is poisonous to the work of evangelisation.

4. Fluidity of Doctrine: The bishop critiques the notion that all Church decisions and doctrines are subject to constant revision, describing this as a hallmark of the current synodal approach. He argues that such fluidity undermines the permanence of the Church's teachings and the steadfastness of its faith. It is just this permanence, based on the Catholic understanding that the faith is something revealed to us from God; a deposit of faith, which give the Catholic faith its unique attraction and value, elements which have been greatly eroded under Pope Francis.

Relation to Controversy and Criticism of Pope Francis' Pontificate:

Bishop Eleganti's concerns reflect a broader apprehension among a majority of faithful Catholics regarding the direction of the Church under Pope Francis. It seems obvious that the pontificate's emphasis on synodality and inclusivity can only lead to a relativistic approach to doctrine, potentially compromising the Church's foundational teachings.

For instance, Eleganti has previously criticised the Synod on Synodality, highlighting the contradiction between the Pope's constant promotion of synodality and his extreme authoritarian management style. He suggests that the so-called dialogue of synodality is determined by "ready-made agendas" and he has expressed scepticism about its outcomes.

Discussions around synodality continue to raise questions about the balance between hierarchical authority and collective discernment within the Church. While Pope Francis advocates for a more synodal Church, aiming for inclusivity and broader participation, some fear this could lead to ambiguity in doctrinal matters and a dilution of traditional teachings.

From an orthodox Catholic perspective, while the call for greater inclusivity and dialogue is appreciated, there is a concern that it should not come at the expense of the Church's core mission: the proclamation of Jesus Christ as the unique and universal means of salvation. Maintaining a balance between pastoral outreach and doctrinal integrity is essential to preserve the Church's identity and mission in the world. The Pope's focus is wrong and contradictory.

In conclusion, Bishop Eleganti's reflections serve as a reminder of the need for the Church to remain steadfast in its Christocentric proclamation (which, let's face it, shouldn't be controversial, indeed it is one of the central aims of Vatican II), ensuring that initiatives like synodality enhance, rather than obscure, its fundamental mission of leading souls to Christ. Pope Francis is clearly attempting to use synodality to manipulate the Church into an abandonment of settled teaching and structures. This is anathema to Catholicism and, indeed, Christianity itself! (See Galatians 1:8).