Toward a Synodal Church

The Report of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

This past December, I had the privilege of being nominated by Bishop Michael Gerard Duca to serve as our local coordinator to engage our community in Pope Francis’ synodal process entitled Toward a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.  Admittedly, as the nominated leader of these conversations, I was hesitant to accept this invitation, not knowing the scope and magnitude of this process.

Any early fears I had were quickly dismissed in the joy and dynamism I experienced in the various listening sessions, which renewed within me a passion to be part of our ever-discerning Church. Bishop Duca and I were able to hear the successes of ecclesial life, challenges to communion both locally and globally, ideas about improving participation, and creativity regarding continuing the Church’s mission. The Diocese of Baton Rouge thanks the hundreds of listeners who participated in the in-person sessions or who submitted their observations online.  Thank you for accepting Bishop Duca’s invitation to participate!

What follows is a synthesis of these listening sessions. While we are unable to elaborate on every idea that surfaced or point that was made, we heard and appreciated each one. This document represents the culmination of spiritual discernment, helping us to understand the Church in our local context as represented by you, the people of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.  

While this process may have seemed unusual initially, many of us have experienced great encouragement as we listened with humility to the needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world, working toward Pope Francis’ goal of “walking together,” even in disagreement. I look forward to working with Bishop Duca in implementing plans resulting from what was heard that will hopefully bear much fruit.  

At the conclusion of the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles on the Solemnity of the Ascension, two men stand next to the Apostles asking, “Why are you standing there looking up at the sky?” (Acts 1:11).  If there is any surety from what we heard in our conversations, we know now is the time for us to go forth to be the Body of Christ to the world through the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, who always invites us to be open and to listen with humility.

Sincerely Yours,

Very Reverend Jamin Scott David, JCL
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia

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