In an interview with Sunday Examiner and Kung Kao Po, Cardinal Stephen Chow and Vanessa Cheng, two members of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, shared their reflections on the recently concluded synodal assembly in Rome.
They emphasized key themes such as listening with empathy, the conversion of mentalities, and the evolving role of women in the Church.
The conversation also delved into the transformation of the Church from a “doing Church” to a “being Church,” in alignment with the spirit of Vatican II.
New Page for the Church
Vanessa Cheng described the experience as both joyful and filled with expectation. Reflecting on the concluding Mass with Pope Francis, she highlighted the joy of witnessing the Holy Spirit’s work in the Church over the past three years.
However, she acknowledged a lingering concern about ensuring that the synodal process remains dynamic. “The synodality experience opens a new page for the Church,” she said, stressing the need to continue the mission of renewal.
Cardinal Stephen echoed these sentiments, noting the transformative nature of the synodal journey. He observed that the second assembly felt more harmonious, fostering deeper collaboration and understanding.
“Synodality is not about doing things,” he explained. “It’s about being a synodal Church. It’s about how we live and relate to one another.”
Conversion of Relationships and Mentalities
Both Cardinal Stephen and Cheng emphasized the need for a shift from a task-oriented approach to one that prioritizes relationships.
“In Hong Kong, we are efficient and used to getting things done,” Cheng noted. “But conversion starts with examining our relationships—building trust, being open and honest, and fostering friendships.”
Cardinal Stephen expanded on this, stressing that a synodal Church requires a deeper commitment to listening and collaboration.
“The foundation of our work must be trust,” he said. “This trust allows us to build authentic relationships and make meaningful plans that truly reflect the spirit of the Church.”
Role of Women in Church
A significant topic during the synodal discussions was the role of women in the Church.
Cheng observed that many women participants expressed uncertainty about their place within the Church, citing the high opposition vote on recognizing women’s charisms in the Final Document as evidence of division on the issue.
“Both men and women have their charisms,” Cheng said, emphasizing that individuals must find their identity within the Church’s relationships. “We were all baptized. Everyone is a child of God, and achieving this balance can help one locate their role.”
She recounted an October 19 meeting with Pope Francis, where women participants from different continents expressed both gratitude for the opportunity to voice concerns and worries about potential regression in women’s involvement in future synods.
Hungarian theologian Klára Csiszár highlighted the lack of recognition for female theologians in universities, while others advocated for greater inclusion of women in decision-making roles.
Cardinal Stephen stressed the importance of mutual growth for men and women in the Church, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “I think we should believe in the Holy Spirit,” he said.
“I believe the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church through this synodal process. The pope listens and discerns with others. While there may be concerns about setbacks or resistance, I’m confident that the role of women and laypeople in the Church is affirmed and will continue to progress, even if not always steadily,” the prelate added.
Participation of Chinese Bishops
The participation of bishops from mainland China was another historic aspect of the synodal assembly. Cardinal Stephen recalled that in 2023, Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou and Bishop Anthony Yao Shun of Jining attended the synod for two weeks.
Despite speculation about their brief presence, their participation generated curiosity and interest.
For the second session in October 2024, Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu of Xiapu (Funing), Fujian, and Bishop Yang attended the entire synodal session and spoke openly on various occasions.
“I was touched upon seeing the participation of bishops from the mainland. We are all Chinese,” Cardinal Stephen said.
He recalled Bishop Yang affirming that the Church in China remains faithful to apostolic succession and welcomed visitors to see the Church’s realities firsthand.
Bishop Zhan, meanwhile, spoke about the role of culture in evangelization, citing Father Matteo Ricci as an example. He emphasized the need to understand and respect local cultures as a means of spreading the Gospel.
Embracing Diversity in Synodality
Cardinal Stephen reflected on the nuances of synodality within the Chinese-speaking Church, noting two variations of the Chinese translation of “synodality”: 共議同行 (journeying with discussions) used in Hong Kong and Macau, and 同道偕行 (journeying within the same faith) used in mainland China and Taiwan.
“While standardization is valued, diversity is also a fundamental aspect of the Spirit of the Synodal Church,” he explained.
Cheng agreed, highlighting the unity among Chinese-speaking bishops despite geographical boundaries. She underscored the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and shared resources, such as translated materials, to strengthen evangelization efforts.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Cardinal Stephen expressed hope for the release of a Chinese translation of the synod’s final document, which he believes will aid collaborative efforts within the Chinese-speaking Church.
Both he and Cheng remain optimistic about the future, seeing the synodal journey as a source of inspiration for building trust, inclusivity, and unity in faith.