CARJ official response to National Synthesis Document for Synod

image: CARJ

The Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) have mixed emotions following the recent publication of the National Synthesis Document by the CBCEW. We were pleased to note the mention of a number of marginalised groups that exist within the Catholic Church in England and Wales. We also appreciated the recent Reflection by the Bishops of England and Wales, which included an acknowledgement of the absent but distinctive voice of different ethnic communities as part of the synodal process. Overall, the Synodal National Synthesis Document provided much honesty and sensitivity, skilfully integrating the experiences and feelings of many parishes and a number of Catholic groups. We were particularly delighted that the Traveller community were mentioned as their concerns have been a prioritised focus for CARJ for many years. With faithful hope, we look forward to greater awareness and solidarity with our Traveller sisters and brothers.

However, CARJ was saddened to read the paragraph dedicated to 'People of colour'. The opening sentence's assumption that 'the issue of exclusion of people of colour seldom appears in the diocesan reports' because of 'cities with large diverse communities reflected in parish communities', is a questionable conclusion. On other issues, the document works hard to synthesise the comments made by participants, and yet in relation to racial justice, the denial/misunderstanding of racial injustice was not a view commonly claimed in diocesan synodal reports. The result is a disempowerment of many people of colour who experience racial injustice, whose voices are therefore not being adequately represented in this global discussion.

Certainly, the document has acknowledged that despite our rich diversity, black and brown people do not have an adequate seat at the table within the Catholic Church of England and Wales (and perhaps more widely). This recognition should be celebrated as an initial step on the journey towards racial justice, yet a false belief within the Church contradicts this point and invalidates the courageous concerns that have been raised. The document ignores the many ethnic minorities and especially black families and young adults who tragically leave the Church because they feel more welcome in other denominations. The document has surprised CARJ and upset some, making us wonder whether the synodal process has failed to enable the voice of people of colour to be fully heard. Our hope is that the Church would lead on the journey to racial justice. Perhaps a paradigm shift is needed?

The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the ability to speak in diverse languages, opening the door for everyone to listen and be heard. Therefore, despite the absence within the synodal discussions of the theme of racism, CARJ will continue to champion the voice of the Holy Spirit within the black and brown, often disempowered but global majority of our Catholic Church.

LINKS

Synod Synthesis: 'Blindness' to issue of racism - www.indcatholicnews.com/news/45119

CARJ Synodality Sessions Report - https://mcusercontent.com/3d2b3ff9853eab9381ba677d5/files/e100ecc9-e9fb-cbd8-158a-71dda217ad55/CARJ_Synodality_Sessions_Report_Feb_2022.pdf

CBCEW Synod National Synthesis - www.cbcew.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/synod-national-synthesis-england-wales.pdf

CBCEW Bishops reflection on synodal national synthesis - www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-reflection-synodal-national-synthesis/