Bureaucratic Synodality vs. A Style and an Attitude, by Dr. Jeff Mirus

By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture, Jul 01, 2025

Jeffrey Mirus holds a Ph.D. in intellectual history from Princeton University. A co-founder of Christendom College, he also pioneered Catholic Internet services. He is the founder of Trinity Communications and CatholicCulture.org

In a brief meeting with the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops on June 27th, Pope Leo said he wanted to share “an idea that I consider central”. It turns out this idea was a very simple one: “Synodality is a style, an attitude that helps us to be Church, promoting authentic experiences of participation and communion.” I agree wholeheartedly with this insight. It is just this “style and attitude” which propels us into a common “synodality” or “way together”—that is, into many particular missions within the overall mission of collaborating with Jesus Christ within the Church He founded to extend His presence throughout the world.

Three days later, however, the secretary general of the General Secretariat of the Synod, Cardinal Mario Grech, proceeded to belabor the concept of synodality with immense angst:

We know well, however, that difficulties and resistance remain in recognizing the proposal of synodality as a fruitful path for the renewal of ecclesial life. Some, unfortunately, express these reservations in a marked manner, exercising a certain influence on others. …

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