2019 | Synod on the Amazon
What is the synod on the Amazon?
The Vatican has invited the bishops from all dioceses in the world to travel to Rome in order to discuss the Amazon and its people. This gathering, or synod, is officially titled “The Amazon: new paths for the Church and for integral ecology.”
This is the first synod in which integral ecology will be applied to a specific place in creation. That’s a landmark for the Church. The synod runs 6-27 October, and the week of 13 October is dedicated to integral ecology.
The synod is guided by a preparatory document and an instrumentum laboris. The preparatory document includes a list of questions that were discussed with local communities in the Amazon, to ensure the synod responds to local expertise and concerns. The instrumentum laboris takes wisdom from these conversations and from the teaching of the Church to guide the synodal fathers’ discussions.
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Reflect and
take action
There are many ways to bring this groundbreaking event into your faith practice. Take action at home or attend an event in Rome.
Take action at home
PRAY
- Pray daily this Prayer for the Amazon Synod written by REPAM, the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network
- Pray a Laudato Si’ rosary for the Synod during this Month of the Holy Rosary
- Use this month’s Laudato Si’ Circle resource to reflect on Scripture and the Synod
LEARN & REFLECT
- Reflect on the Synod Preparatory Document with others using this Small Group Process: “Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology”
- Watch a mini video interview on the Amazon covering issues such as nature, climate, gender equality, indigenous rights, and land rights available on the CIDSE Youtube Channel with EN / ES / FR / GE / PT / IT subtitles.
- Learn about the Amazon and its people through this comprehensive guide and resources by Canadian agency Development and Peace
ACT:
Our patterns of consumption and lifestyle impact places like the Amazon. In solidarity with the Amazon and its people:
- Commit to a more sustainable lifestyle by learning and committing to a lifestyle change at Living the Change
- Organize a local meal or event to reflect and discuss ways to live more sustainably using these Living the Change Supper Guide Book and Conversation Guide resources.
Attend an event in Rome
Attend an event as part of “Amazon: Common Home,” a city-wide series of events that brings the themes of the synod to life for synodal fathers and lay leaders alike. More information is available here
Partners
Around the world, the Catholic community is coming together to lift up this important moment for the Church and the planet. Global Catholic Climate Movement is grateful to collaborate with partners like REPAM, the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network, which is a key advisor to the synod.