Nicholas of Cusa on Peace of Faith: A Foundational Framework for Synodality?

A Foundational Framework for Synodality?

Abstract

The year 2024 formed the background for the continuation of the Synod of bishops on Synodality. This article presents the initiative of pope Francis to create a Church model, situated around the concepts of communion, participation and mission, as intended to break down walls between categories of Church members, in particular between the clergy and faithful. However, while some people are perceiving this development as a threat to the purity and integrity of Catholic doctrine and practice, others expect more vitality instead. This article demonstrates how the current diversity of opinions recalls the antagonisms which Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464) has witnessed, both in the Catholic Church, as well as in the relation between the Church and other religions. His call for ‘one religion in a variety of rites’ could inspire religious leaders today to aim at consensus and peace, rather than strife and rivalry. The principles of ‘learned ignorance’ and ‘coincidence of opposites’ upon which this call is based may also enlighten those who walk the synodal way today, in view of a more open and diverse Church. Harmony today should not be conceived as uniformity, but rather as mutual respect, and diversity-in-unity.