Prologue

In the Apostolic Constitution Sacrae Disciplinae Leges, with which the Code of Canon Law (1983) was promulgated, the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, numbered among the principle elements which, according to the Second Vatican Council, express the true and genuine image of the Church "...the doctrine whereby the Church is presented as the People of God and its hierarchial authority as service; the further doctrine which portrays the Church as a communion and then spells out the mutual relationships between the particular and the universal Church, and between collegiality and primacy; and likewise, the doctrine by which all members of the People of God share, in a manner proper to each of them, in the threefold priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ" [1] . The Code of Canon Law, in fidelity to the teaching of the Council, presents a renewed idea of the traditional institution of the diocesan Synod, in which the aforementioned ecclesiological insights converge. Hence, the juridical norms to be observed in the celebration of such ecclesial sessions are set forth in Canons 460-468.

Diocesan Synods, always regarded as important instruments in effecting conciliar renewal, have been or are about to be celebrated in a growing number of dioceses, especially since the promulgation of the Code of Canon Law. In this respect particular mention may be made of the Second Pastoral Synod of the diocese of Rome, concluded on the Solemnity of Pentecost 1983, which offered the Roman Pontiff Pope John Paul II an important teaching opportunity. In recent times it is noted that expressions of diocesan communion have also adopted other forms, sometimes described as "diocesan assemblies". While such assemblies often include elements of diocesan Synods, they do, however, lack a precise canonical character. It is considered thus more than opportune to clarify the dispositions of canon law with regard to diocesan Synods as well as to determine and develop those procedures to be adopted in their execution [2] . In so far as "diocesan assemblies" or other such ecclesial gatherings resemble the object and composition of diocesan Synods, and to ensure their legal effect in the government of a particular diocese, it is desirable that they should be formally situated within the canonical discipline of the Church by reference to the prescriptions of law currently in force and by this present Instruction.

Attached to the present Instruction is an Appendix of the principle matters concerning the celebration of diocesan Synods which, as foreseen by the Code of Canon Law, are to be determined by diocesan norms. It is hoped that it may be of assistance to those involved in the preparation of diocesan Synods. The Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for the Evangelization for Peoples, competent authorities for what pertains to the exercise of episcopal ministry in the Latin Church [3] , present this following Instruction to all of the bishops of the Latin Rite. In so doing it is intended both to reply to the requests for fraternal assistance in this matter which have been received from many bishops, and to remedy certain defects and inconsistencies which have arisen.

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Instruction on Diocesan Synods

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