In the forthcoming synod on the family, apparently 150 ‘Synod fathers’ will be taking part in it. Does anyone know how these Synod fathers will be chosen? Who are they likely to be?
I don’t see a formal list online. However, the Catholic Near East Welfare Association says it will bring together “the presidents of national bishops’ conferences, the heads of Eastern Catholic churches and Vatican officials. The world Synod of Bishops, which will include more bishops — many elected by their peers — will meet at the Vatican 4-25 October, 2015.”
The Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops says almost the same thing: “This year’s Extraordinary Synod will involve a special meeting of the Presidents of the world’s Episcopal Conferences and of the Patriarchs and Major Archbishops of the Eastern Churches. The Holy Father has already indicated this will be followed next year by a meeting of the Synod’s Ordinary Assembly, which in effect will involve a greater number of Bishops from throughout the world in further reflection on these significant questions.”
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