For most lay Catholics, “synodality” is simply the latest buzzword for what is really just business as usual, with the trappings of walking together and invoking the Holy Spirit.

The clerics are in control. Bishops are key to this. Some are on board and fully transparent. Others are not, and these are their strategies:

Controlling the narrative

Controlling the Narrative is a common term for a key technique used by some bishops. It is a strategy that has served them well in the past.

In relative terms, few lay Catholics would have read the full Synod Report. They rely on information filtered down to them and then determine the extent to which they are motivated to engage.

To the extent they discern an offering that is “more of the same”, they largely turn off. Heard all that before.

Had they actually read the full report or had it fairly outlined to them they would likely recognise, like most who have read it, that this is something different – an easy-to-read Vatican document that holds the promise of real reform.

That is incentive enough for some bishops to not seek to enlighten their flock any further. If the people don’t grasp the full significance of the report, then that makes things easier for those in charge.

This is clericalism at its most sophisticated. But other strategies are emerging to underpin and support this approach.

Skewing the message

A great virtue of the Synod Report is that it grounds the vision of a church of shared participation, decision making and accountabilities in a rich theology and spirituality drawn from the early church.

The report evokes a committed people walking together in their faith, sharing, growing and building relationships, inspired by the Spirit.

This is an authentic way of being church, but it is process. Part III of the Synod Report sets out the vision of a church that evolves from this praxis.

This is the goal – not an end point in itself – but a goal, nonetheless. So, emphasise the process not the vision.

Comfortable synodality

While the Synod Report grounds synodality in the practical operation of the church, it does so to facilitate a new order. But if bishops aren’t comfortable with that vision, the easiest solution is not to seek to get there – just keep going around, walking and engaging with the Holy Spirit.

In one case it is described by a diocese as “our pilgrimage is not about reaching a destination but allowing ourselves to be constantly transformed by Jesus”. Or perhaps that is an excuse for inertia!

Go slow on Formation as it only highlights the difficulties. But if other tactics begin to fail there is always the reassurance that comes from keeping most lay people in the dark about the real nature of the conversations to be had.

To ensure that doesn’t happen laity need to be confident in their baptismal rights, no longer intimidated by clerical status and have ready access to shared data about parish and diocese.

It is in this realm that many priests, not to mention bishops, feel threatened and underprepared.

The Synod Report recognises there is a significant need to provide formation and skills development to both clerics and laity. It stresses Formation is “needed to engage in decision-making processes grounded in ecclesial discernment and which reflect a culture of transparency, accountability, and evaluation”.

But most bishops fear talking about Formation because it taps into the insecurity and doubts many priests express about their ability to meet the synodal challenge truly. It is unsettling.

Fear is a great brake on human endeavour. So don’t rush into formation, let it come later. But increasingly the overseas evidence is that Formation is essential to change hearts and minds and then behaviours – as is true with most human activities.

Playing the metrics

Faced with the Implementation Pathway, dioceses are resorting to adding up what they have done: Parish assemblies, Diocesan assemblies, and attendance at information sessions that don’t focus on what is different and challenging.

If the assembly conversations are with the usual people, operating within the usual parameters then they are likely to produce only the usual deposits.

Dioceses are playing the metrics game – lots of numbers, not much about quality. But the Synod Report calls for creative solutions and experimentation!

Fear and a lack of imagination are driving much of this. Bishops seem to realise that their work is under scrutiny by the Implementation Secretariat.

They are busy, but much of it is looking for ways to avoid grappling with the real challenges. The people need to call this out.

But also let’s hope Pope Leo and Cardinal Grech are awake to these games.

• Terry Fewtrell has followed the Synod process closely and prepared various documents to assist its implementation. He is Chair of Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn.