In Catholic theology, Avery Dulles’ influential book Models of the Church offers a profound way to understand the Church’s identity through different lenses. Dulles, a prominent Jesuit theologian, outlined five key models—institution, mystical communion, sacrament, herald, and servant—with a later addition of community of disciples. These models are complementary, helping the Church reflect on its nature in a balanced way. Today, the emphasis on synodality under Pope Francis brings fresh vitality to these ideas, reviving the vision of Vatican II. A synodal Church highlights journeying together as the People of God toward a shared destiny. This article explores Dulles’ models alongside the synodal images of the Church as People of God, Pilgrim Church, communion for a mission, and Servant Church. It also considers how this synodal approach could bring renewal and transformation to the Catholic Church in Goa and India.
Avery Dulles’ Models of the Church
Dulles developed his models in the wake of Vatican II to capture the Church’s richness without reducing it to one aspect. Each model illuminates a different dimension:
1. Church as Institution: This views the Church as an organized structure with hierarchy, teachings, and sacraments, stressing visible unity and authority. However, Dulles noted it could sometimes overshadow deeper spiritual realities.
2. Church as Mystical Communion: The Church is a spiritual fellowship bound by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing relationships and the unity of all believers.
3. Church as Sacrament: The Church serves as a visible sign of God’s grace, making Christ’s presence tangible through worship and community.
4. Church as Herald: Here, the focus is on proclaiming the Gospel, inviting people to faith and transformation.
5. Church as Servant: The Church follows Christ’s example by serving humanity, promoting justice, and engaging with the world’s needs.
6. Church as Community of Disciples: Later added, this model highlights the Church as disciples following Jesus, committed to ongoing growth and mission.
These models together promote a fuller, more dynamic understanding of the Church.
Synodal Images of the Church and Their Resonance with Dulles’ Models
Synodality calls the Church to walk together in listening and discernment, drawing on ancient traditions and Vatican II insights. The synodal images provide People of God, Pilgrim Church, Communion for a Mission, and Servant Church as Models of the Church. They connect deeply with Dulles’ framework, adding a spirit of participation and shared responsibility.
1. Church as People of God: Rooted in Vatican II, this image sees the Church as a diverse community called by God, including all members: laity, clergy, and religious. It aligns with Dulles’ mystical communion ( Body of Christ) , valuing unity amid diversity and the shared dignity of baptism. Synodality brings this to life by including everyone’s voice in decision-making.
2. Pilgrim Church: This portrays the Church as a people on a journey toward God’s kingdom, facing trials with hope and openness to change. It echoes Dulles’ community of disciples, stressing formation and adaptability on the path.
3. Church as Communion for a Mission: Combining internal bonds with outward outreach, this image reflects Dulles’ mystical communion and herald models. True unity fuels missionary energy, and synodality supports this through communal discernment for effective witness.
4. Servant Church: Directly matching Dulles’ servant model, it calls the Church to humble service, especially to the marginalized, following Jesus who washed feet.
These synodal images enrich Dulles’ models, making them more collaborative and responsive.
The Synodal Model as a Synthesis and Renewal
A synodal Church acts as an integrating vision, weaving together Dulles’ models into a living whole. It respects structure (institution) while fostering deep relationships (communion), visible grace (sacrament), bold proclamation (herald), and compassionate action (servant). By promoting shared discernment, it embodies the community of disciples( Body of Christ) , helping the Church move dynamically toward its God-given mission as a pilgrim people.
Transforming the Church in Goa and India through the Synodal Model
The Catholic Church in Goa and India has a rich history, yet faces modern challenges like cultural shifts, political alienation, interfaith relations, social inequalities, and the need for vibrant evangelization. A synodal approach offers real potential for renewal and relevance.
Embracing the People of God image could empower lay involvement in Goa as well as India , where strong community traditions exist but sometimes clericalism limits participation. Inclusive discussions could address local concerns, building greater ownership of mission and vitality. It can be an image of the Church that will enable a response for the double celebration of the 2000 years of the Death and Resurrection of our Lord and the 4th centenary of our Archdiocese. It will also create a dynamic horizon to bring together a new pastoral plan called by the Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao .
The Pilgrim Church perspective encourages flexibility in India’s pluralistic society. Amid growing religious tensions, synodality could foster dialogue and peaceful witness, helping the Church adapt without losing its identity. For Goa this ingage of the Church will enable us to embrace the human past of the Church and forge new vistas for the path ahead .
As a communion for a mission, synodality could shift focus from routine maintenance to active outreach, engaging youth and urban communities with fresh energy. Communion cannot build simply an inward looking , self serving Church. It builds a communion for the mission of our Lord both within and outside the visible boundaries of the Church. Church in Goa has moved a lot in this direction. It may recieve new energy and vitality of the coming double Jubilee.
Finally, the Servant Church model aligns with serving India’s poor and vulnerable. By listening to grassroots voices, synodal processes could strengthen advocacy for justice, education, and healthcare, making the Church a more credible sign of hope. May be this model of Church will convert every parish in Goa into a Servant unto the image and likeness of our Lord washing the feet of humanity which is constituted by our catholics , ecumenical brethren and others of our neighbourly faiths. It will try make a parishioners missionary desciples.
In these ways, synodality could revitalize the Church in Goa and India, making it more united, missionary, and relevant.
Conclusion
Avery Dulles’ models remain a valuable guide to the Church’s identity, and the synodal vision breathes new life into them. By living as a People of God on pilgrimage, in communion for mission and service, the Church can fulfill its calling. In Goa and India, this approach promises profound transformation, drawing all members into a shared journey toward God’s kingdom.
