The Pope Wants to Hear from You!
Global Synod Letter Writing Campaign
In October 2021, Pope Francis opened the Global Synod. The initiation of the synod was founded on the Pope’s belief in the importance of journeying together through authentic encounter and deep listening. Over the course of the last two years, the People of God have participated in local, regional and continental gatherings which illuminated the concerns, hopes and vision for the future of the Church by the faithful. These gatherings resulted in the publishing of two working documents, Document for the Continental Stage and Instrumentum Laboris, which synthesized the findings from the voices of the people. On June 28, 2023, Pope Francis utilized the official Instagram of the Global Synod to invite the People of God to evaluate the discernment questions at the back of the Instrumentum Laboris to write him a letter.
We Created a Discernment Aid for You!
Inspired by Pope Francis’ invitation, we created a workbook that incorporates passages from the Document for the Continental Stage and Instrumentum Laboris, as well as reflections from social justice leaders in Seattle. This workbook is to be used as an aid in your discernment and letter writing. We want to ensure that your voice and the unique experiences of the Seattle community are considered throughout this last year of the Synod, especially consider our Archbishop Etienne was nominated as a voting delegate!
Download the PDF of the Global Synod Letter Writing Campaign workbook
Tips for Letter Writing:
1. Begin with Prayer.
2. Consult the IPJC Global Synod Letter Writing Campaign booklet (above) or the Document for the Continental Stage and Instrumentum Laboris at: https://www.synod.va/en/resources.html.
3. Select a question from the back of the Instrumentum Laboris to inform your letter to the Pope.
4. Share a story to answer the question. We know from voting delegates that the Pope will emphasize stories from local communities to shape the discussion at the General Assembly in Rome in October 2023.
When you push submit below, your letter will be sent to the Vatican Synod office and Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center. IPJC’s faith communities organizer, Sarah Pericich-Lopez, will take a physical copy of your letter to the General Assembly in Rome to deliver to Archbishop Etienne.