The Catholic Church has a priority to allow women to “participate in decision-making processes” and have responsible roles in pastoral care and ministry, according to a report from the first Vatican session of the Synod on Synodality.
The Vatican released a 42-page “synthesis report” on Saturday, and Pope Francis closed the four-week session with a Mass on Sunday.
“There is a need to expand women’s access to training programs and theological studies. Women are included in the teaching and training programs of the seminaries to promote better formation for the ordained ministry,” the document stated.
The report did not include a recommendation on blessings for same-sex couples or the ordination of women, though “theological and pastoral research” on allowing women to access the diaconate was suggested. The independent Catholic News Agency reported those subjects “the lion’s share of media attention” during the synod.
The report made a passing reference to LGBTQ issues: “Some issues, such as those relating to gender identity and sexual orientation, the end of life, difficult marital situations, ethical problems connected to artificial intelligence, are controversial not only in society, but also in the Church, because they ask new questions.”
Calling for more study of the subject, the report noted that the “anthropological categories” surrounding these issues are not sufficient in the light of the complexities arising from “experience or scientific knowledge.”
“It is important to take the time necessary for this reflection and invest the best energies in it, without giving in to simplifying judgments that hurt people and the Body of the Church,” the report stated.
The world’s poor are “protagonists of the Church’s journey” and seek “respect, acceptance and recognition” from the church, the report said, adding that the poor include “all of those who do not have what is necessary to lead a dignified life.”
The poor include migrants and refugees; indigenous, native and “Afro-descendant” peoples; victims of violence and abuse, “especially women”; those with addictions; minorities; abandoned elderly; victims of racism, trafficking and exploitation; economically excluded people; and exploited workers, the report said.
“The most vulnerable of the vulnerable, for whom constant advocacy is necessary, are babies in the womb and their mothers,” the document stated.
Supporting the poor “means engaging with them also in the care of our common home,” the report said. “The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are the same cry.”
Women in the church expressed concern over “clericalism, chauvinism and an inappropriate use of authority,” the report said.
“Sexual, power and economic abuse continue to cry out for justice, healing and reconciliation,” the document said. “We ask how the Church can become a space capable of protecting everyone.”
The report was issued Saturday in Rome after the 364 voting members of the synod approved each paragraph of the document. The Vatican released an Italian language edition, and The Washington Times used a machine translation as the source for quotations.
The Catholic News Service, an agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the summary “set the stage for a year-long period of reflection” on those topics before a final assembly in 2024.
• Mark A. Kellner can be reached at mkellner@washingtontimes.com.
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