SYNODAL ECCLESIOLOGY AND PARTICIPATION: REVISITING THE COUNCIL OF BASEL IN POPE FRANCIS'S CALL FOR A SYNOD ON SYNODALITY

Abstract

In response to calls for reforms within the Church and a desire for greater participation, Pope Francis has embraced synodality as the preferred approach. He has elevated the concept of synodality to a new level of ecclesiological significance. The 16th Ordinary Assembly of the Synods of Bishops was convened with the broad theme: "From a synodal Church: The overarching themes of the synod are "Communion, Participation and Mission." The synod, which was initially scheduled to conclude between 2021 and 2024, is now expected to conclude in 2025. This synodal ecclesiology posits a vision of the Church as a collective endeavour in which the discernment of the Holy Spirit is a shared process. The Council of Basel, convened in 1431 during the late medieval period, was driven by the imperative for ecclesiastical reform. The strong conciliarist ecclesiology positioned the Council as superior to all other institutions and individuals within the Church, including the Pope. The desire of the late mediaeval Church for unity between the Eastern and Western Churches led the Basel Fathers to pursue a negotiating agenda with the Greeks. The outcome of this negotiation had a significant and enduring effect on the reform efforts and the future of conciliarism within the Church. The Basel Fathers were unable to reach a resolution with the Greeks due to their discord with the Pope despite being equipped with an ecclesiological model and an inclusive participation concept. The Pope seized the opportunity to organise a union council with the Greeks, which effectively diminished the influence of the conciliarists. This study aims to explore the progression of conciliarism, its evolution, and its impact on the late mediaeval Church. It will also investigate the circumstances that led to its downfall and emphasise the accomplishments of the Council. Ultimately, it seeks to highlight the significant relevance of Basel to the current synodal Church movement and the importance of drawing lessons from this Council.