Archbishop Uy: Synodality ‘not business as usual’ but a way of life

Cebu’s new archbishop said synodality must not be treated as an event or project but embraced as a way of life.

Archbishop Alberto Uy said true synodality requires humility, shared leadership, and deep listening.

“Synodality should be evident in our councils, parish planning, and every meeting where listening and discernment come first,” Uy said.

The archbishop made the statement after the Synod Diocesan Implementation Workshop hosted by the Cebu archdiocese on Sept. 1 at El Baptisterio Hall of the Cebu Quincentennial Hotel.

The meeting brought together four bishops, members of their respective curia, and key lay collaborators from the dioceses of Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Maasin, and Talibon, collectively known as DuCeTagMaTa.

The workshop centered on the National Synodal Implementation Framework, “Sulong-Padayon”, a four-part process consisting of Tinig-Tawag, Tawid-Tanaw, Tapak-Tindig, and Tungo sa Tipan.

The framework, according to the archdiocese, envisions a collaborative, accountable, inclusive, and missionary Church.

Uy stressed that clericalism remains a major obstacle to synodality.

“Synodality calls us to genuine co-responsibility. Clergy must lead with humility and openness, and the laity must step forward with courage and generosity. We need each other’s gifts to serve God’s people,” he said.

He also admitted that listening is often difficult, particularly when it comes to “voices we often ignore — the poor, the young, the elderly, and those who feel excluded.”

“Without listening, synodality is just a slogan. With listening, the Church becomes alive,” Uy said. “Let us sustain synodality, practice shared leadership, and learn to listen deeply — so that together, we can truly walk as the People of God.” (Ryan Christopher J. Sorote/CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published by CBCP News.