The Diocese of Scranton is asking Catholics to take an anonymous survey as part of the Synod process. Anyone is welcome to take the survey, regardless of whether they are a practicing Catholic.

“There is just over a month to participate in the Diocese of Scranton’s online survey for the Synod on Synodality,” the diocese posted recently on Facebook. “Everyone is invited to participate and share their thoughts, joys, sorrows and dreams for the Church.” 

Pope Francis, late last year, declared the Church was undertaking a “synod on synodality.” Its formal title is “Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church,” The Conversation says. This is a two-year process leading up to the “Synod of Bishops.” In this early stage, bishops will direct consultations with monks, nuns, parishioners and lay people as part of an effort to bring more transparency to the Church, the article says. The process will culminate when the bishops convene in 2023 and discuss how to move forward as a church that “journeys together.” 

Each diocese is taking its own approach. At Scranton, “We are particularly interested in responses from people who have decided to leave the Church for one reason or another,” the diocese said in its posting. “This online survey is anonymous so we invite you to share your feelings, concerns or anything that the Holy Spirit is guiding you to contribute to this important listening process.”

The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y3FRDX6. People are also welcome to print the survey, fill it out by hand, and mail it in to the diocese.

“Synod” comes from a Greek word meaning “coming together” or “traveling together,” according to The Conversation. The Synodal tradition for the Church began with ancient Christian leaders who would come together to discuss and pray about issues that pertained to the whole Church. Such gatherings were happening infrequently by the 16th century. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) decided to re-emphasize the role of bishops as leaders of their communities and encourage more communication and cooperation between bishops.