The much-anticipated final report from the historic doctrinal gathering at the Vatican sidestepped the issue of women clergy and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the final report.
The Synodality, a gathering of representatives of the Catholic Church that has been meeting regularly since 2021 at the behest of Pope Francis, is historically notable for including women among the 400 invited bishops. left behind. Although the synod ultimately failed to reach agreement on the issue of women in the clergy, nor on marriage equality or acceptance of same-sex sexual relationships or sexual orientation, I couldn’t even close the door. These controversial issues were referred to 10 study groups in May, and the final report, released last week, instead focused on issues of church structure and general recommendations for continuing the good work of the church. is focused on.
“The final document calls for a new approach that sees the Church not as a ‘legal entity’ with branches, but as a communion of churches,” the Vatican said in a press release. “The term ‘universal Church’ has been restructured to emphasize unity in diversity, and to refer to local churches as distinct entities of faith within the single body of Christ, rather than as subordinate levels. I see it as an expression.”
According to a Vatican report, Pope Francis concluded the synod’s homily by saying, “We don’t need a sedentary, defeatist Church, but one that listens to the world’s cries and gets its hands dirty to serve.” It is the church.”
While the Pope’s words did little to satisfy observers and participants at the synod, many were disappointed by the participants who reported the middle ground observed in the final report.
Roberto de Mattei, president of the Catholic Lepanto Foundation, told the Washington Post that the synod “succeeded in making everyone unhappy.”
More progressive elements within the church wanted to affirm marriage equality and accept same-sex sexual orientation, but they encountered opposition from conservative bishops in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Australia.
In response to emailed questions from the Post, Archbishop Stanisław Gondecki, president of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, said the German church blesses same-sex couples and “uses too much of the language of Protestant theology and modern politics.” He criticized his calls for reforms. Rather than traditional Catholic teaching.
Massimo Fagioli, a Catholic theologian at Villanova University, also told the paper: “It’s difficult to say whether this conference actually took any decisions.”
These decisions are likely to depend on the results of 10 research groups working on the most controversial issues. Their work is expected to continue next year.
