The Holy See has issued a document that is the culmination of a two-year global survey of Catholics, advocating for increased roles for women within the church, the “radical inclusion” of the LGBTQ+ community, and enhanced accountability measures for the church hierarchy.
The release of this document precedes a large gathering of bishops and laypeople scheduled for October.
The document underscores concerns arising from the inquiry process, which kicked off at the parish level and culminated in seven continent-wide conferences.
It highlighted the severe repercussions of the clergy sexual abuse crisis on the faithful and emphasized the urgency of structural changes to reduce the disproportionate power of the clergy.
There was unanimous support expressed during the survey for the church to grant women access to roles of authority and governance.
The document refrained from touching on the subject of women’s ordination to priesthood but questioned if new ministries could be created for women, including the diaconate – a call echoed by women over the years for ordination as deacons in the church.
It is noteworthy that “most” continent-wide assemblies and “several” bishops’ conferences urged that the diaconate issue be addressed by the upcoming synod.
The Vatican document also examines possible actions the church could undertake to foster a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ people.
The document, in a significant departure from tradition, referred to “LGBTQ+ persons” rather than using the archaic phrase “persons with homosexual tendencies,” reflecting a shift toward acceptance initiated by Pope Francis with his renowned “Who am I to judge” comment a decade ago.
“Inclusive” seating arrangements have been planned for the synod, according to The Associated Press.
The Vatican’s large auditorium will host delegates at round tables, blending around a dozen laypeople and clergy together.
Unlike previous working documents, this latest release does not make any firm proposals, conclusions, or points.
Instead, it raises several questions for further discussion at the October assembly.
After the second phase of the synod process in 2024, Pope Francis is anticipated to release a final document incorporating the proposed ideas from the delegates.
The document also revisits the topic of whether married priests should be allowed to address the shortage of clergy in some regions.
It highlights the need for substantial steps to ensure justice for victims of sexual abuse and acknowledges other forms of abuse such as spiritual, economic, and power abuse that have undermined the church’s credibility and mission.
Sister Nadia Coppa, leading the women’s religious orders, affirmed that these findings have already begun influencing the church.
She emphasized the need for new ways of exercising authority.
“It will be important for us to propose a style of governance that develops structures and participatory procedures in which members can together discern a new vision for the church,” Coppa mentioned at a press conference.
