Struktury kolegialne w Kościele
Collegial structures in the Church

Summary/Abstract: The phenomenon of collegiality in the Church, a particular fruit of the Second Vatican Council, can undoubtedly be regarded as one of the most significant signs of the times. The principle of collegial operation of the episcopate with its deep biblical roots, which has entered into the life of ecclesiastical community, remains the guarantee of universality and unity. Having its basis both in episcopal ordination and in hierarchical communion, the collegiality of bishops belongs to the structure of the Church, according to the will of its Founder. Collegiality in an exact (effective) meaning, expressing the nature of the Church, is realized only in the College of Bishops with its head in the person of the Roman Pontiff. Like him, also Collegium Episcoporum (with his head) is an entity of supreme, full and universal power in the Church. Apart from collegiality in the strict sense, in the Church there are forms of collegial action as an expression of collegiality in a broader sense (affective collegiality); they reveal the bishops’ concern for other particular Churches and for the universal church. These forms include: the Synod of Bishops, particular synods, bishops’ conferences, participation of bishops in the work of the renewed Roman Curia, visits of bishops ad limina and missionary cooperation. Analysis and reflection on the problems of collegiality makes it possible to see the aspect of synodality, closely related to collegiality, as John Paul II pointed out in motu proprio Novo Millennio ineunte of January 6, 2001, encouraging to deepen this thread of discussion. It seems that the above-mentioned document of the International Theological Commission entitled La sinodalità nella vita e nella missione della Chiesa has become the answer to this suggestion.

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