The Vatican’s Synod office has recognised the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese’s approach to synodality and governance as “good practice”.
Bishop Michael Kennedy wrote a letter to the faithful of the diocese last month, in which he focused on the revision of the “Diocesan Governance Framework”.
“The various advisory boards and councils that will make up our new governance structure will operate in a synodal mode. But first we need to acknowledge that synodality occurs at several levels in our Diocesan community,” Bishop Kennedy wrote.
“For many years, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has been deeply committed to walking together in faith, prayer, and shared discernment. This commitment is at the heart of synodality, a way of being Church in which all members of the Church – clergy, religious, and laity – participate in discernment and dialogue, guided by the Holy Spirit.
“The new governance structure considers both civil and church law, and is designed to foster greater collaboration, transparency and synodal leadership.
“Over coming months, we look forward to inviting a significant group of voices into the important next phase establishing our Councils and Advisory Boards.
The various advisory boards and councils that will make up our new governance structure will operate in a synodal mode.”
The Vatican’s Synod Office responded to Bishop Kennedy’s letter on social media, posting on X:
“In his pastoral letter on Synodality and the New Diocesan Governance Framework, Bishop Michael Kennedy invites the faithful to embrace this vision more fully — fostering a Church that listens, learns, and acts together in the service of the Gospel.”
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The Diocese’s synodal approach recognised by Vatican’s Synod Office (Maitland-Newcastle Diocese)
