The Bishop of Oslo, Fredrik Hansen, has announced the convocation of the first diocesan synod of the Catholic Church in Oslo and has made clear from the outset which matters will remain outside discussion. “A diocesan synod is not a democratic assembly,” the prelate stated, recalling that, as bishop, he is obliged to exclude any issue contrary to the Church’s doctrine or that seeks to call it into question.
The synod will be held before the jubilee of St. Olaf in 2030 and aims to provide a diocese that has grown considerably with a common vision and a new pastoral plan for the coming decade. Hansen explained his objectives in an interview given to the diocesan spokesperson, Hans Rossiné, in which he placed among the priorities catechesis, pastoral care in different languages, and the need to gain a more precise understanding of the reality of the Catholic communities scattered across the territory.
Hansen expressly wished to distinguish the synodal consultation from a democratic procedure in which any issue may be submitted for deliberation.
“A diocesan synod is not a democratic assembly. As bishop, I am also obliged to exclude from the synod anything that contradicts the Church’s doctrine or calls it into question. It is not for us to decide on matters of faith and morals”, he noted.
According to him, the goal will be for the local Church to gather in prayer, carry out a rigorous assessment of its situation based on concrete data, and prepare plans and documents that will later be presented to the bishop, who will be responsible for making the decisions.
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