Reception of "Lumen gentium" in the Maronite Patriarchal Synod (2003–2006)

Abstract

This article examines the reception of the dogmatic constitution Lumen gentium (Vatican II) within the Maronite Patriarchal Synod (MPS, 2003-2006). Drawing on the theological category of "reception" as defined by Congar and Corbon, the author investigates how far the MPS has integrated the conciliar ecclesiology of communion, particularly the notion of the "People of God" and the active role of christifideles. The analysis reveals a reception that is both genuine and incomplete: the MPS marks significant progress toward a participatory ecclesiology, ecumenical openness, and recognition of the diaspora. Yet structural gaps persist – a prevailing hierarchical logic, a deficit in baptismal and pneumatological ecclesiology, and laity confined to a consultative role. The article proposes a theological roadmap for a prospective Maronite synodality: recentering on baptismal ecclesiology, acknowledging the sensus fidei, promoting the female diaconate, and articulating synodality with witness in the pluralist context of the Middle East.