Synods in Newman’s ecclesiology and in the twenty first century

Abstract

In his Arians of the Fourth Century (1833), John Henry Newman began his study of synods, and the Church’s Tradition and Magisterium. In two later texts, On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine (1859) and the Preface to the Third Edition of the Via Media (1877), he articulated important notions for ecclesiology and for the contemporary theological concept of synodality. These works offer theological and historical foundations for the role of episcopal authority, the exercise of the sensum fidelium, and the work of theologians, applicable to the Church’s synods and synodality. Furthermore, in his Development of Christian Doctrine (1845) Newman provided useful notes to ascertain or validate authentic doctrinal development. His writings shed light on synodality in the Church today, in particular on the German Synodal Path.