Synod bishops begin 'Circuli minores'

All participants will have a chance to 'speak their mind', bishop says.

Vatican City:  Having concluded their general debate, bishops attending the Extraordinary Synod are now moving into their different language discussion groups, the circuli minores. From Monday onwards, these groups will be working on the amendments to be made to the relatio post disceptationem that will be published Monday ahead of the final relatio synodi which Synod Fathers will vote on next Saturday.

“No one will go away from these talks feeling that they have not had a chance to speak their mind,” said the Archbishop of Dublin, Mgr. Diarmuid Martin. He underlined that the debate is “open” and that the Church is reflecting on how it can develop its language and doctrine, whilst being a Church of truth and mercy at the same time.

The circuli minores have begun “free discussions on a number of issues” that emerged during the general meeting, Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi said during a briefing.

The circuli minores, Martin said, “will examine [Monday’s] relatio text” and will suggest changes, as well as things to add and things to remove.” The final document will “bring together everyone’s reflections and will be delivered to the Pope who will decide: the process continues.”

Source: Vatican Insider