Salford launches 'Big Listen' process to help shape its future

Bishop John Arnold

In April this year, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford announced it would be undertaking a diocesan synod - a period of prayer, discussion, and questioning - to explore ways to meet the needs of a 21st - century society.

The synod seeks to connect with people living across the diocese - which covers much of Greater Manchester and Lancashire - particularly those who feel disconnected or distanced from the Church and faith today.

This October marks the first key stage of the synodal process, entitled The Big Listen, which invites people over the next three months to prayerfully reflect on a number of questions to help identify key themes within our diocesan community.

Through these questions, the diocese seeks to explore a range of topics, from how to ensure the Church is a welcoming place for all, to how parish and school communities might look to develop, to how the diocese can respond practically to the needs of our community and our world today.

Rt Rev John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, said: "As we live in a fast-changing world, we must be prepared to question our priorities and our aspirations.

"There are global issues that are so distressing: the war in Ukraine, conflicts in other parts of the world, the plight of refugees and migrants, religious persecution, poverty, and the increasing impact of climate change.

"While we must look to Rome to prioritise global actions as the Catholic Church, we must recognise that we have a particular responsibility for our local Church here in the North West of England and its own particular needs and opportunities."

The Diocese is now inviting all people to respond to the this stage of the synod process by submitting their thoughts online at www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/synod/ or attending a meeting at their local parish.