Synod: Series of free online courses on discernment and decision making

By Devin Watkins

Catholics across the globe are invited to take part in a Massive Open Online Course on the topic of “Common Discernment and Decision Making in the Church.”

The initiative comes as part of the Synod on synodality, which is currently in the diocesan phase and is set to culminate with Bishops gathering in Rome in October 2023.

The online courses are open to anyone interested, and begin in July with a three-week course which hopes to offer formation in “theology and practice of synodality” to over 100,000 people.

Those interested can register at the link.

Building a synodal Church

The courses are hosted by Formacion Continua Online of Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. They are sponsored by the Bishops’ Conferences of Latin America, Europe, and Asia, as well as the Jesuits in Latin America and the organizations of Superiors General of male and female religious congregations.

According to a press release, the Synod on synodality “represents a new stage in ecclesial life that invites us to generate processes of conversion and reform in order to build a Synodal Church for this third millennium.”

Free and global event

The first course will offer conferences, in-depth talks, and testimonies from various representatives of local Churches and their experience of synodality.

“All courses are completely free of charge and will be offered online in several languages—Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, and Italian,” reads the press statement. “In addition, speakers from all continents will participate in the courses, which will allow us to have a global and intercultural vision of the Church.”

The lengthy list of lecturers includes Sister Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops.