BEC as a Living Expression of Synodality

BEC is the home for the people of God to express a life of synodality and mission through the simple steps of:

1. Participation:
   BECs are characterized by active participation by all members, with each person contributing their unique gifts and talents to the community
2. Listening:
   BECs provide a space for people to listen to one another, to hear one another’s stories, and to learn from one another’s experiences
3. Dialogue:
   BECs encourage dialogue and conversation, with members sharing their perspectives and engaging in respectful discussion
4. Collaboration:
   BECs are characterized by collaboration and shared decision-making, with decisions made collectively by members
5. Mission:
   BECs are focused on mission, with members walking together to serve the needs of their community and to promote social justice

The Roman Catholic Church has recognized BEC as a pastoral expression of synodality within her.
BEC is a small, grassroots faith communities emphasizing active participation, shared leadership, and a commitment to social justice. They operate on the principle of subsidiarity that acknowledges the importance of empowerment and decision-making. It is through synodality that the importance of a participative and consultative decision-making process is highlighted, in the ecclesiastical discourse.

The historical roots and theological framework of the BEC can be traced to Vatican II, that is communal in nature. Ever since then, the understanding of BEC has grown and is accepted in certain parts of the Catholic world, especially Asia. BEC facilitates active engagement and inclusivity among members, providing an ideal environment for the synodal practices to thrive. The practical implementation of synodality within BECs call for an in-depth potential ecclesial governance and pastoral ministry.

In the recent years, BECs have been facing various challenges like sustainability, declining participation and commitment among members, while coordinators, in their respective leadership roles present poor commitment. This can be related to the lack of leadership formation, skills training and resources that lacks social actions. The BEC Coordinators as leaders, need ongoing faith formation that is essential for equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual resources necessary to engage effectively in the life and mission of the Church. They require teamwork and may need to go out of their way to reach out to the members to encourage participation, communion and mission. The authoritarian leadership style and ‘playing priest’ is making leaders fall into a new form of clericalism of the laity, a trap that must be avoided. Although the BEC Coordinators show great desire to serve with enthusiasm in the beginning of their election, they eventually wither, being unable to stay committed and grounded to their mission. Those who gradually became inactive lamented that they got discouraged due to the unnecessary tasks that lacked spiritual growth. They also suffered ‘high burnout’ due to cooperate style expectations that is performance based, that creates conflicts among members. These were the several reasons identified for the discouragement and loss of enthusiasm, that hinders BEC growth.

The BECs can go beyond inward-looking through Word sharing to strengthens the bond of relationships and the dynamism of mission. It is essential for BECs to understand the vision and nature of communion of communities that unites the whole church. The small group of 5 to 15 families within certain geographical vicinity , form.

BECs under the supervision of the Parish Priest.
The BEC Coordinating Team (BECCOT) works closely with the BEC Animating Team (BECAT) to enhance the growth of BECs through formation and guidelines, focusing on community dynamics. The BEC monthly reflection paper, is an appropriate means of building a Word and Christ centred communities. BEC promotes the dignity and responsibility of the people of God within the Church, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging among their members. The integrating of synodality in the BEC, can help to revitalize and provide the space for their continued growth, to be an effective synodal Church. BEC is essential to the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel and serve the needs of the people.

In this way, the people of God can deepen their faith, develop a sense of community, engage in acts of service and enhance social action. They serve as a bridge between the Church and the broader society, addressing poverty, injustice and inequality, working closely with social organisations and relevant political bodies. Therefore, BECs must constantly be reminded that the church is of the poor and for the poor.

Furthermore, the principles and practices of community is found in the various teachings of Jesus during his earthly life, continuously walking together with his followers in forming a community of disciples. He commissioned his apostles to organize their work of evangelization, proclaiming the Gospel from one place to another, listening to the Word of God, praying together and breaking bread, as they assembled in the family houses.

BEC today is seen as homes of synodality, playing a vital role in participating towards a social transformation. BECs can genuinely be what John Paul II describes: “a sign of vitality within the Church, a solid starting point of a new society based on a civilization of love.”

This article is contributed by Archdiocese BEC Animating Team (ABECAT) and no parts or any sections are to be removed, modified or restructured without permission.