The upcoming “Synod on Synodality” remains a mystery to many, it seems.  I wanted to post some thoughts – some of mine – but mostly from a remarkable Bishop, Joseph Strickland, whose burden of responsibility toward those Catholics under his care has brought forth a beautiful witness from him, of fidelity to the Church, and the Truth, of Jesus Christ.

Most of the links below are to share Bishop Strickland’s counsel to his own in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, concerning the Synod.  I wish that all Bishops, in every Diocese, would have done what Bp. Strickland has done for his “sheep,” to help them understand the threat that he sees – may God intervene, and safeguard the Church and Her Faith!

A “Synod on Synodality” in Rome will begin Oct. 4, and close Oct. 29, 2023.  This gathering of bishops, with some observers, theologians and laity (men and women), all selected and invited by Pope Francis, will follow guidelines discussing among themselves a list of topics written or approved by Pope Francis.  They will come to conclusions about those topics and present a closing document to Pope Francis, and he will do with it, if anything, as he decides.

The topics will include matters that have been or could be settled within the Deposit of Faith entrusted to the Church already by the Holy Spirit.  God has spoken on these matters, one could say, but the world does not like what He said.  It is this taking up for “discussion” anyway, then, that is troubling to the Faithful. Is the Holy Deposit of the Faith threatened?  Do they want to “change” it, and think that they can?

There are other problems as well. The synodal process itself is not precisely defined.  It has been criticized as quasi-democratic, or parliamentary, and is not the traditional hierarchical, apostolic process the Church has followed for centuries.  It seem likely that discussed will be matters such as diaconal (or even priestly) ordination of women, blessings by the Church of same-sex “unions,” open reception of Holy Communion for non-Catholics and even non-Christians, common worship services with non-Catholic, non-Christian, non-theistic religions, replacement of evangelistic proclamation of the Catholic Faith with “walking together” with all, seeking to reveal to all the universal unconditional love and acceptance of all by Jesus, period. Set aside, it seems, would be the Church of the past, as “old-fashioned” and “rigid” –  preaching “repent and believe the Gospel.”  As if that were a bad thing.

It seems we are seeing, in our lifetimes, a move of radical atheistic globalism: no borders, no boundaries, no walls, no distinctions both in the secular world or in the Church: loud powerful voices are clamoring for one world government, one cashless society, one united godless “Church of Humanism”; complete personal equivalence of men, women, unisex or no-sex, gender by choice, marriage of any definition or of no definition, … an ugly dystopia that used to be confined to the sci-fi horrors of movies and novels.

Some courageous leaders in the Church have spoken out against this dangerous spirit working in the One Church founded by our Lord Jesus Christ.  Several Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests and laity have done so and have been punished by their superiors for doing so!  The Lord will give them their reward.  I’ve chosen one to recommend to you, one who has written and spoked humbly, faithfully, lovingly, beautifully and bravely in defense of the Holy Catholic Faith.  (He, by the way, is now “under review” so to speak, by the Pope) I include a few papers (linked to, below) and a video that I recommend to you.

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, has sounded a warning to the Catholics of his diocese about this approaching Synod, and the direction the Church seems to be heading under current leadership in the Vatican.  References below include several Pastoral Letters from the Bishop, in chronological sequence.  The Video Interview (**) reveals a lot about the man, which is very relevant, I believe, to what he writes.

1.  Initial warnings concerning the Synod on Synodality — (Pastoral Letter of Aug 22, 2023)

2. Teachings on the Eucharist, and Church teaching on homosexuality. —  (  Pastoral Letter of Sept. 12, 2023.

3. Teaching on the Sacraments of Matrimony, and of Holy Orders. — (Pastoral Letter Sept 26, 2023 )

4. ** You Tube Video: Robert Moynihan and Fr. Murr Interview Bp. Strickland (on His current status w/ Rome). — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-mwbJkalq4

5. An article (Lifesite News) on possible outcomes from the Synod is well-presented, I believe, here: — What should Catholics expect regarding the Synod on Synodality’s final document?

Blessings to you all, and please Pray for the Synod participants that they be TRUE to the Church, that is, true to the TRUTH.

Thomas