Pope's Synod Organizers Emphasize Listening Over Agenda.
Organizers of Pope Francis’s Synod of Bishops on Synodality have denied accusations that the working document for the gathering is biased towards liberal-minded Catholics. The synod, which aims to promote a collaborative and consultative style of management, will culminate in two Rome-based gatherings in October 2021 and October 2024. The working document stresses unity in diversity and the need to lead the Catholic Church “beyond fragmentation and polarization,” prioritizing a genuine dialogue when there is a difference of opinion, rather than alienating those who disagree. The list of issues up for discussion generally reflects the priorities and concerns of more progressively-minded Catholics, whereas concerns associated more with conservative-minded Catholics are absent.