Lay Participation Empowered

Insights from Instrumentum Laboris

Abstract

The Vatican’s Synod Office has recently issued the “Instrumentum laboris”, known as the working document, which will provide guidance for the upcoming second session. This article scrutinises its clarion call for the possible revision of canonical provisions to promote increased cooperation and co-responsibility of the lay faithful. The focal points include the stably instituted lay ministries, participatory bodies, the significance of consent and consultation, and the imperative need to establish canonical provisions for regulatory measures aimed at ensuring the accountability and credibility of the ecclesial structures.