When we look at what is missing from our synodal processes, we can understand better the tasks and challenges ahead of us.
Synod on Synodality
Posted inDispatches, Faith
In South Africa’s synodal process, lay enthusiasm is often met with gatekeeping from priests
Bruce Botha, S.J., said one notable achievement of the synodal process was that many people who experienced themselves on the margins of the church felt that they were heard.
Posted inFaith, News
Germany rejects Vatican criticism of its Synodal Path
“We will not tire of emphasizing that the church in Germany will not follow a ‘German special path’,” said a joint statement by the Synodal Presidium, the president of the German Bishops’ Conference and ZdK President Irme Stetter-Karp.
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican: German Synodal Path must not create ‘new approaches to doctrine and morals’
“It seems necessary to make it clear that the ‘Synodal Path’ in Germany does not have the power to compel bishops and the faithful to assume new modes of governance and new approaches to doctrine and morals,” the Vatican said.
Posted inFaith, News
Cardinal Kasper calls German synodal reform proposal an ‘outrageous innovation’
The shift of power away from the hierarchy of bishops “will break the neck of the church,” the cardinal said.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
‘God may be calling us’: Meet the women aspiring to become deacons
Many people who oppose the idea of women as deacons fear that the potential candidates aren’t faithful Catholics. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Posted inFaith, Features
Bishop McElroy: Pope Francis and Vatican II give us a road map for the synodal process
Having begun the process of synodality, we should not let the process go dormant until after the pope’s apostolic exhortation on the universal synod is released in 2024.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Should Catholics worry about bishops disagreeing in public? Or is this part of Pope Francis’ plan?
One year into a three-year global synodal process, we should not expect hot-button issues and their promoters to vanish, nor for public disagreements among Catholics to cease.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
I am an abuse survivor. I believe the synod will teach the church how to listen.
By listening we all walk together. Along the route of life we must encourage forgiveness but not exoneration.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Brazilian bishop: I hope the synod will end clericalism in the church
“It is clericalism that prevents the church today from being missionary,” Bishop Cipollini said. “I have great hope that the synod on synodality can make clericalism collapse—perhaps not entirely, but at least in its major strongholds.”