A SYNODAL PATH: ECCLESIOLOGY IN THE XINGU PRELACY AND ITS SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE

Abstract

This article aims to present the synodal path taken by the Prelacy of Xingu, a relevant political and socio-environmental actor in the socio-environmental conflict caused by the Belo Monte hydroelectric project in Altamira, Pará. In the light of synodality, the theoretical foundation reviews the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council and its reception in the CELAM conferences, in the Assemblies of Bishops for the Amazon and in the assemblies of prelates. The method adopted was that of analysis of content where diachronic elements supported the criticism of the different levels of ecclesial structure, and synchronic elements allowed for a doctrinal examination based on ecclesial documents and research sources such as interviews. The results of the analysis provide understanding of the social and political relevance of the evangelizing action of the Xingu Prelacy, from the 70s to the present day, as a result of an essentially synodal Church.