Resumen de «Chiesa tutta sinodale». Approssimazioni a una lettura giuridica del discernimento ecclesiale comunitario
The concept of ecclesial discernment has not been particularly studied in canonical doctrine, nevertheless the problem underlies the reflections on the qualities of pastors (under the categories of discretio and prudentia), the ways of exercising ecclesiastical government (legislation, administration, judgment), the definition of the procedures for forming consensus in collegial bodies (maior pars / sanior pars). The formulation of the regula «Quod omnes tangit» shows how the ecclesiastical tradition has valued the principle of the participation of the faithful in decision-making processes, even with significant openings to lay participation. The current synodal processes concerning the universal Church and the ‘Synodal Path of the Churches in Italy’ challenge the Church in the search for criteria of discernment that can give orientation with respect to the multiple instances relating both to the enhancement of the co-responsibility of the faithful and to the contents of the missionary action. The analysis of the most recent magisterium offers a grid of criteria for discernment, of truths and values that characterize the essence of the Church, as well as of «precious tools» that remain necessary orientation compasses (Catechism of the Catholic Church and Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church).
