The Diocese of Cairns has taken another significant step in its ongoing synod process, with the first meeting of Synod members held on Saturday 2 August at the Seville Mercy Conference Centre.
The synod journey began earlier this year, with a diocesan-wide consultation event on 14 June open to all. This latest gathering brought together Synod members for the first time, joined by Bishop Joe Caddy, who addressed the assembly.
The program included a presentation on the synod journeys of other dioceses and archdioceses around Australia, drawing insights from their strategic and pastoral plans. Participants also explored the decrees of the Fifth Australian Plenary Council and the Final Document from the global Synod for a Synodal Church.
Small-group work and spiritual conversations centred on establishing processes of consultation, feedback and review across the diocese — an essential part of ensuring the synod process is inclusive, transparent, and mission-focused.
A highlight of the day was a reflection by Anne Chellingworth, Pastoral Ministry Engagement Coordinator for the Diocese, on the meaning and lived experience of synodality. Drawing on Pope Francis’ use of the word harmonia — not as “peace and quiet” but the rich, layered harmony of an orchestra — unity, but not uniformity, as the essence of synodality.
“In a world marked by polarisation,” she reflected, “synodality can be the Church’s gift to the world, a way of valuing, trusting, and bearing with one another. It requires fraternal friendship, humility, and the willingness to listen deeply, even to those with whom we disagree.”
Her closing challenge to the members was clear: “Our task is to ensure no one in our churches remains anonymous. Synodality must shape everything we do. It’s not the why we do anything, it’s the how. The why will always be mission.”
Anne’s full reflection, Living Synodality: Reflections for the Cairns Synod, can be read here.
