In the Catholic Church, a Synod on Synodality, or 'journeying together’, has started. This is a process which consists of several phases. The first phase takes place in the local dioceses, and involves listening: What do people in the diocese think about the Church, and about the themes proposed by the General Secretariat of the Synod in Rome?
In October 2021, Pope Francis announced that he wants all baptised people to take part in the synodal process, including those who no longer take part in church life. He recognises that it is difficult to involve all these people in the synodal process. However, without the real participation of the people of God, talk about communion remains a devout wish. The Pope stressed that enabling everyone to participate is an essential ecclesial duty.
Biggest consultation in the history of the Catholic church
For this reason, the diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch has initiated a collaboration with researchers from the Erasmus School of Economics and has launched a web link for the most extensive consultation in the history of the Catholic church. The web link can be used by both discussion leaders and individuals who would like to share their ideas about the Synod themes. The data will be collected and objectively analysed by researchers from the Erasmus School of Economics using state-of-the-art data analysis techniques.
The diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch is leading the field with this initiative. In dioceses where only discussion groups are organized, it is difficult to listen to large numbers of Catholics. A significant risk is then that many Catholics will not be heard. So far, universities worldwide have only played a very limited role in the Synod. Through this initiative, the diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch and the Erasmus School of Economics can uniquely contribute to the future of the Church.
‘This project fits in well with the university’s ambition’
Martijn de Jong, Professor of Marketing Research at Erasmus School of Economics: 'There are several reasons why I embarked on this collaboration with the diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch. First, it is difficult for an ambitious diocese to conduct a large-scale consultation as requested by the Pope. Collecting data, and especially the scientific analysis of these data, requires market research expertise that only few people have. My research on empowerment of individuals and valid measurement of needs, preferences and attitudes fits perfectly with this project. Second, a key goal of Erasmus University Rotterdam is to formulate solutions for the society of the future. This project aligns well with this ambition, and it is great to play a leading role in the global synodal process.'
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For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics: rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, +31 6 53 641 846.