- Is the special assembly of synod “pro Medio Oriente” focused exclusively on the geographical area or more broadly on the persons everywhere? Is it only about Christians in the Middle East or is it about Christians of the Middle East. Perhaps the first stated goal of the synod could be amended to read as follows:
1) to confirm and strengthen Middle East Christians in their Christian identity, through the Word of God and the sacraments;
- The second stated goal is complex; perhaps it could be divided into two. Regarding “communion,” it has many degrees: first, communion among Catholics, then communion among Christians, then communion among believers in the one God, then communion among all members of the human family. Perhaps the second stated goal of the synod could be amended to read as follows:
2) to foster communion primarily among the Middle East Catholic churches and in turn among all Middle East Christians, all believers in the one God, and all peoples; and
- The other part of the second stated goal concerns witness; perhaps it could be considered a third goal. The core of Christian witness is love, and authentic and effective witness is manifest in self-giving or service. Perhaps a third stated goal of the synod could be as follows;
3) to offer an authentic and effective witness in our lives by generous and loving service to others, both to fellow disciples of Christ Jesus and to all regardless of creed.