John Allen reports on next October’s Synod of Bishops on the Bible, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” He speaks of the “ferment” in anticipation of the event. Cardinal Mark Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec and Pope Benedict XVI’s designee as relator, or chairman, of the synod, has dropped some hints that he would like to steer the synod in the direction of Pope Benedict’s “hermeneutic of continuity.” From the Cardinal’s answers to some journalistic queries:
Let’s hope that [the Synod] will contribute to the growing closeness between Rome and the other churches and Christian communities. It would be wonderful if that happens, especially since the tragic separation of the Reformation was based on interpretation of Scripture. But it will also be a synod that has as its goal a re-launching of the missionary dimension of the church. The Word of God is intended for all people.”
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Another question on which the Synod will have to try to offer a word of clarification regards the interpretation of Sacred Scripture. Such interpretation can never be merely individual, but must always be reconciled with the living tradition of the church. Further, such interpretation must utilize the scientific research of exegetes, but at the same time it must never place itself in rivalry, or opposition, to the magisterium.”
