In issue 35 of Dialogue and Encounter magazine, dedicated to synodality, we had the honor of interviewing Cristina Inogés.
Cristina Inogés, born in Zaragoza, is a Catholic woman. She studied theology at the Protestant Faculty of Madrid, SEUT, and is involved in many ecclesial realities. At this moment she has a relevant role in the development of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, being part of the Methodological Commission of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly.
For ten years (2004-2014), he collaborated with the Faculty of Theology in Göttingen (Germany), participating in online publications. He currently collaborates in Daily Readingsof the Iglesia Evangélica del Río de la Plata (Argentina).
She has published numerous books and articles in various magazines, such as Vida Nueva, Revista 21, Donne, Chiesa, Mondo -women ‘s supplement of L’Osservatore Romano-, La Razón, and Revista Ecclesia.
In this conversation we explore the importance of listening to diverse voices and walking together in this moment of ecclesial renewal. Throughout the interview, we highlight the challenges and hopes that accompany this synodal process, especially with regard to the inclusion and role of women in the Church.
We thank her for agreeing to share with us her synodal experience, her vision of the Church at this historic moment of renewal and the steps that are being taken to recognize women in the Church.
DYE: How does a woman feel among so many ecclesiastical men, who have always shown a certain superiority?
Little by little some attitudes are changing. I feel good because, above all, what is important at this moment is the Synod of Synodality.
The people of God are not only the ‘ecclesial men’, they are much broader.
DYE: What could you share from your last Synod experience?
The first Assembly of the two that this Synod will have, the truth is that it has been very interesting. It has been clearly seen that the Church is that polyhedron of which Francis speaks.
The working atmosphere was good and, most importantly, there was a lot of listening, which has proven to be fundamental in the reconstruction of the Synodal Church.
To be able to speak directly with people from other cultures, to know about their concerns, fears, hopes, convictions… To listen to each other, and together to listen to the Spirit, was truly a deeply impacting experience.
DYE: We imagine that it wasn’t all easy dialogues. How did you overcome the difficulties?
With that conversation in the Spirit. It was not about ‘my idea’, ‘my Church’, ‘my community’…- It was about the universal Church and that methodology of work helped a lot.
DYE: Could you count on the presence of Pope Francis and did you talk to him personally?
When we worked in the smaller circles – the working groups – Francis was not present. He came when there was a ‘General Congregation’, which is when each circle tells the rest of the Assembly the agreements reached on the theme each one was dealing with. Francis was always very respectful and spoke twice. He always arrived with plenty of time so that we could approach him and talk to him, take pictures….
Yes, I was able to talk to him for a little longer one afternoon when he arrived with more time than usual and I was in the Paul VI classroom, almost alone. It was very interesting.
DYE: We are all aware that it is not “easy” for you. Will you be able to continue to carry forward the reform of the Church despite your delicate health?
Well, you would have to ask him….
DYE: What would you tell us for the upcoming work we have from the Synod?
It is very important to work on the document that came out of the Assembly because what each synodal group contributes will be what we will work with again in October of this year.
In addition, we continue to enjoy the opportunity to have our voice heard and, above all, to be able to carry the voice of the most disadvantaged and marginalized in the Church.
We have to understand that in the synodal Church we all have something to contribute from our experience and, above all, to make real that very clear message that Francis launched at the WYD in Lisbon, when he said that in the Church “there is room for everyone, everyone, everyone”. A message that, on the other hand, is totally evangelical.
DYE: Do you think that networks are important in our awareness and knowledge of the social and ecclesial reality?
The networks are as polarized as society and the Church itself. At this moment it is very difficult for the networks to provoke ‘sensitization’ to any issue, because any issue that is shared on the networks, becomes a battlefield.
When you go into the networks and read something, you have to go to media and sources that are reliable because there are few ‘personal opinions’ that are balanced.
It is necessary to move away from the headlines and base an entire reflection on that headline, and go to the essential. We are witnessing the pitched battle provoked by the comments on “Fiducia supplicans” instead of going to the document that is crystal clear.
DYE: Thank you Cristina for all your committed and not always understood walk.
Thank you for your interest in the Synod.
This interview is part of the 35th issue of our magazine Dialogue and Encounterdedicated to the theme of synodality. You can download and read it in its entirety here.
We remind you that next month we will publish our new edition of the magazine, where we will explore the theme of women in the Church. We invite you to stay tuned and to continue reflecting with us on these fundamental issues!