In a pastoral letter, Bishop Giuseppe Pasotto, apostolic administrator of the Latin-rite Church in the Caucasus, writes that the first goal of synod «is to pray and reflect on how we can find together (with the Church) the fullness of Christian life and perfection of charity. This means taking quite concrete steps.»
«The synod,» the letter says, «must lead us to decisions and commitments on issues we must
identify and to which we must respond in ways everyone agrees to.»
Input from the faithful is being sought this month. Pastoral councils and community representatives in this nation of 4.6 million people will meet the bishop in Zerovani on Jan. 8 to give their input.
In late February, a summary of suggestions will be presented to the synod council. By April, a working document should be ready and synod members elected. Afterward, the synod should take place.
On Dec. 15, 2006, the pastoral letter says, the «bishop shall sign and promulgate the Book of the Synod which contains the indications of the assembly.»
