Shaping Synodality in Europe

From Vision to Roadmap

14–17 September 2026 
Bildungshaus Schloss Puchberg (Linz, Austria)
Under the patronage of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE)

In the midst of the worldwide Implementation Phase of the Synod (2025–2028), Europe, too, is setting a sign of synodal togetherness. We invite you to a gathering that is more than just a conference: it is a milestone for the local churches in Europe.

Here we come together to exchange ideas, share lived realities, and learn from one another. This symposium is a decisive station on the way to the European Ecclesial Assembly in Spring 2028, which will precede the worldwide assembly in October 2028.

Organized under the patronage of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) in cooperation with the Research Group of the Department for Synodality at the Catholic Private University Linz and the European Taskforce of the CCEE, Puchberg opens up a space of experience to make the synodal path in Europe more concrete.

We invite you to fill this space – with your expertise, your history, and your hope.

Our common thread follows a clear dramaturgy: From the spiritual source via the rough reality of our continent to the concrete form of a Church that boldly embraces its mission. Our vision is a Church in mission that goes beyond itself – a Church that looks where everyone else looks away, and listens where everyone else stops listening.

I. Liturgy Synodal: Embracing the World (14.09, starting by 16:00)

Everything begins with a fundamental attitude: In the liturgy, we do not celebrate a withdrawal from the world, but the “embrace of the world by God.” When God turns towards this world, reality does not become distant, but draws close. Here we discover Baptism not only as a rite of admission, but as an empowerment to participate in this divine embrace. We seek a liturgical practice that breathes this breadth and enables us to see the world through God’s eyes.

II. Transforming Europe: Listening to the Context (15.09.)

Because we come from this “embrace,” we can face the European context without fear. We look at the realities and wounds of our continent – at wars, migration, secularization, and divisions. We do not conceive of Europe as a problematic terrain, but as the loved place of our life. A synodal Church does not avoid conflicts, but becomes a space of hope and listening precisely where the rifts are deepest.

III. Transforming the Church: The Shape of Mission (16.09.)

How can this attitude become permanently livable? We are practicing being a Church that consistently thinks its missionary orientation from a baptismal ecclesiology. It is not about cosmetic changes to structures, but about practicing a form of ecclesial existence as envisioned by the Council: What do ministries look like that truly serve? What do decision-making paths look like that take all the baptized seriously? We design structures that are not ends in themselves, but tools to open spaces for the missionary vision of Baptism in Europe.

End of the conference: on 17.09 with breakfast.

Our Goal:
Three days, an organic path: From celebrating the nearness of God to enduring the nearness of the world, to shaping a serving Church. Help us draw this Roadmap for synodality in Europe.

We look forward to welcoming you in Linz.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Languages:
The conference languages are English, German, Italian, and French. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.

Costs:
350 EUR per person. This fee covers conference full participation, accommodation (3 nights: 14–17 September 2026), and full board, translation-services etc.. (If a participant cannot attend the full programme, it is not possible, for organizational reasons, to calculate the participation fee on a pro rata basis.)

Additional Nights:
Any additional nights must be paid individually directly to the Bildungshaus. However, we are happy to handle the reservation for you upon request.

Participation:
Please note that shortened attendance cannot be considered. The dynamic and process of the conference require full participation throughout the entire event.

Registration & Deadlines:
Priority Registration for Bishops' Conferences: Open until 1 April 2026.
Each Bishops' Conference is invited to send up to 4 delegates.

Open Registration: After 1 April 2026, registration will be opened to other interested parties, subject to remaining availability.

Important Note:
As places are limited, we strongly recommend reserving your spots in good time. We cannot guarantee availability after the deadlines have passed. Further detailed information/program is to be expected in early March 2026.