NATIONAL SYNOD SYNTHESIS: A Message from the Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand
In his opening address to the Synod of Bishops on Young People in October 2018, Pope Francis told participants
that “humility in listening must correspond to courage in speaking”. He invited the participants to speak with
courage and frankness (parrhesia).
His words were taken to heart in our dioceses during the diocesan pre-Synodal process over the last year. Our people have spoken with frankness and humility about their shared journey as the People of God. We may not agree with everything they have said, but we want their voices to be heard. As Pope Francis said to the Synod on Young People “only dialogue can help us grow”.
We thank Pope Francis for this unique and amazing opportunity to participate in the Synodal process in this way.
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✠ John Dew, Cardinal Archbishop of Wellington, Apostolic Administrator of Palmerston North and NZCBC
President
✠ Michael Dooley, Bishop of Dunedin
✠ Michael Gielen, Bishop of Christchurch
✠ Stephen Lowe, Bishop of Auckland, Apostolic Administrator of Hamilton and NZCBC Secretary
✠ Paul Martin SM, Coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington.
