Synodality and Nonviolence
The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative (CNI), a program of Pax Christi International, is a global movement dedicated to promoting active nonviolence as a core principle of the Gospel. We believe that nonviolence is central to the teachings of Jesus and vital to the mission of the Catholic Church. Learn more HERE
This six-session series is sponsored by Casa Esther Catholic Worker House in Omro WI, Pax Christi USA and EcoProtection Alliance
This current fall series is exploring the nonviolent character of, and the nonviolent implications that flow from the Synod on Synodality which is the vision of Pope Francis for the future of our Church.
The Synod Synthesis document following the Synod assembly in October of last year called for: “More reflection and formation in order that we can manage conflicts in a nonviolent way” and “Careful consideration of nonviolence and legitimate self-defense.”
These are the issues that we will be exploring throughout this Series.
WAYS TO UTILIZE THIS SERIES :
1. Class Use: Recordings of each session have discussion/essay questions inserted after each speaker presentation. The YouTube recordings are divided into chapters making it easy to pinpoint a particular presentation.
2. Extra Credit Project: When classroom use is not practical, offering the series as an extra credit project is a great option. This series will be an invaluable education experience for your students.
Session One
Synodality 101: An Overview
What is unique about this Synod on Synodality? Why did Pope Francis declare that synodality is what God expects of the Church in the 21st century? Come learn about the history of synods and implications for today from speakers involved in the planning and participation at the Synod on Synodality.
1st Presentation: History of Synods by Fr. Bill Switchtenburg, runtime: 8 minutes
2nd Presentation by Sr. Filo Hirota, MMB, runtime: 8 minutes
3rd Presentation by Wyatt Olivas, runtime: 5 minutes
4th Presentation by Sr. Michelle Cimaroli, aci, runtime: 10 minutes
5th Presentation by Fr. Bill Switchtenburg, runtime: 13 minutes
Session Two
A Listening Church:
Listening, Discernment & Mission
This session will explore the Conversations in the Spirit model, recognizing the influence and history of discernment, contemplative listening, nonviolent communication, and restorative justice circles that are present in the Synodal process.
1st Presentation by Sr. Mary Lillian Akhere Ehidiamhen, runtime: 14 minutes
2nd Presentation by Heather Thompson, runtime: 8 minutes
3rd Presentation by Becky McIntyre, runtime: 13 minutes
Session Three
Synodality: Journeying Together Towards a Nonviolent
Church and World
Participants will learn from the experiences of diverse global movements that have harnessed the same principles guiding the synodal process to drive social change and foster nonviolent solutions in their own contexts.
1st Presentation by Fasika Lachore Laba, runtime: 16 minutes
2nd Presentation by Sophia “Soda” Garcia, runtime: 11 minutes
3rd Presentation by Charlene Howard, runtime: 14 minutes
4th Presentation by Kevin Ahern, runtime: 11 minutes
Session Four
Living a Life of Synodality: Nonviolence in Action-Part 1
This session focuses on the collective applications of nonviolence integrated into the practice of Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and Unarmed Civilian Defense (UCD). Both presenters share their personal experiences with UCP. This session addresses key issues raised at the Synod, including the complex question of legitimate self-defense in contemporary times.
1st Presentation by John Reuwer, runtime: 40 minutes
2nd Presentation by Amira Musallam, runtime: 20 minutes
Session Five
Living a Life of Synodality: Nonviolence in Action-Part 2
In this session, three speakers will draw connections between nonviolence as a collective way of life for a synodal people. Presenters will share practical ways to incorporate the theological framework in our lives and provide insights into Kingian nonviolence.
1st Presentation by David Cochran, runtime: 14 minutes
2nd Presentation by Eli McCarthy, runtime: 14 minutes
3rd Presentation by Stephen Niamke, runtime: 16 minutes
Session Six
Students & Synodality:
Where can we go from here?
Report back from CENTERS students! This session explores the pivotal role of students and young people in shaping the future of the Church. It will bring together several students from the CENTERS (Catholic Education Network To Experience Rome and Synodality- 18 campuses who are engaging in the synodal process in curriculum and were in Rome) group to reflect on their first-hand experiences in Rome during the Synod and discuss next steps.
