I miss the part of the debate, of the foundation, of the reflection. The Spirit is the protagonist, without a doubt, but it does not replace the human responsibility of making critical and valid judgments to advance in any human dimension, including the ecclesial.
Surely some participants will have a more critical stance and a more prophetic voice, others will be more recipients without much boldness to give their contribution or without much critical thinking to raise crucial issues. There will be no shortage of those who will be careful to ensure that there are not too many divergences to avoid debates.
The will to do so is lacking. It would give the impression when reading these brief references on these topics in relation to women that it was not actually asked for in the consultations with the people of God, or that it was diluted in the successive syntheses of the contributions.
There is a portion of the Church that is very alien to this entire process, but there is also another portion of the Church that is very committed to this synodal path. On the one hand, those summoned directly by the synodal process and, on the other, all these networks that in their commitment of faith and love for the Church work tirelessly for an ecclesial reform that covers so many urgent aspects, among them, the unavoidable full participation of the women in it
The will to do so is lacking. It would give the impression when reading these brief references on these topics in relation to women that it was not actually asked for in the consultations with the people of God, or that it was diluted in the successive syntheses of the contributions.
There is a portion of the Church that is very alien to this entire process, but there is also another portion of the Church that is very committed to this synodal path. On the one hand, those summoned directly by the synodal process and, on the other, all these networks that in their commitment of faith and love for the Church work tirelessly for an ecclesial reform that covers so many urgent aspects, among them, the unavoidable full participation of the women in it
We are close to the start of the universal phase of the Synod of synodality. The planned dates are from October 4 to 29. In the days before, participants will have a retreat to prepare for the event. We know this will be the first meeting because there will be another one in October next year. Hence definitive conclusions cannot be expected at the end of this meetingbut We hope that progress will be made in some aspects and this will be affirmed in the life of the Church. We’ll see if that’s the case.
We give you ‘RD Report – Keys to the Synod of Synodality’
We already know the number of participants: 364, of which 70 members will not be bishops (they will be religious, priests and laity) and, within the latter, 50% will be women. Apart from this novelty of the participation of non-bishops in the synod of bishops, it will be that These guests will have a say.
We also know the An instrument of laborstructured in two parts, the first on the notes from a synodal church and the second about the three priority themes for the synodal Church: communion, mission and participation. These three parts are developed as questions that will be addressed in the synod. The working method has been presented as the “conversation in the spirit” which consists of a dynamic where in a prayer environment the topic is proposed, the participants are listened to, some resonance is shared about what the others said and an attempt is made to synthesize the coincidences and divergences, seeking what steps to take to walk together. Like any method, it has its positive aspects and its limits.. Personally I miss the part of the debate, of the foundation, of the reflection. The Spirit is the protagonist, without a doubt, but does not replace the human responsibility to make critical and valid judgments to advance in any human dimension, including the ecclesiastical.
I think that the experience of the participants will be positive both for the responsibility they must feel to be there and address current issues for the future of the Church and for the mutual enrichment in the face of the universality present there with its different visions and priorities. Surely some participants will have a more critical stance and a more prophetic voice, others will be more accepting without too much audacity to give their contribution or without much critical thinking to raise crucial issues. There will be no shortage of those who will be careful to ensure that there are not too many divergences to avoid debates.. At the end of the month we will know something about what we experienced there or the conclusions offered after that first meeting.
However, hope is not placed in the event itself because we know that moving structures is such a difficult task that we will need too much time to see any practical effect. Besides, Although the synod has attempted to be a proposal to mobilize the universal Church, the reach has not been very significant..
Hay an immense part of God’s people who have not accompanied this entire process in the slightest, nor is he interested in what is being experienced. Besides, Although there are many very valid questions to return to in this process, some topics are very general or very nuanced or even quite invisible..
In regards to womenFor example, the topic of ordained ministries does not appear explicitly. There is a section from which it could be inferred, but it is so general that I don’t think you will think about it when reading it: “All continental assembliesask that the issue be addressed of women’s participation in government, decision-making, mission and ministries at all levels of the Church, with the support of the appropriate structures so that this does not remain a mere general aspiration.” The female diaconate is also named, in front of which it is asked, if it is possible to raise it and in what way. In reality, the female diaconate has already been proposed and there are no theological or historical reasons not to grant it. Lack of will to do it. It would seem when reading these brief references on these topics in relation to women or that, In fact, it was not asked of the people of God in the consultations, or it was diluted in the successive syntheses of the contributions.. Whatever it may be, the truth is that all this effort for a synodal church is positioning these and many other ecclesiastical challenges and The time will come when we will no longer be able to delay the necessary responses.
Women, before the Synod
But what I am most interested in commenting on is that along with the synodal process, many women from around the world have led initiatives to answer fundamental questions about their ecclesial participation.. One of these initiatives is being led by the Catholic Women Council (CWC), who from the beginning of the synod began a “world pilgrimage”, articulating various networks and groups of women for numerous conversations, debates, virtual meetings, etc., on five thematic axes: (1) The situation of women in the Church; (2) Power, participation and representation; (3) Structures and accountability (4) Sacramental life and (5) Resistance and hope. The results of these works were brought to the Synod, once the consultation stage was over. (that is, more contributions came than what seems to be reflected in the An instrument of labor). The work of this network continues. That is why a representative group of these women will carry out various activities of reflection, dialogue and liturgical celebrations in Rome on October 10 and 11. to continue showing the urgency of recognizing the full dignity and equality of women in the Church and their full participation at all levels.
Another initiative similar is led by another women’s network, Spririt Unbondeda global network of Catholic reform and other ecumenical Christian groups working to include groups marginalized by the Catholic Church, seeking to make full “Human Rights in the Catholic Church”. This network also will hold various events from October 8 to 14 online but also in person on October 13 and 14 in Rome (Italy) and Bristol (United Kingdom).
In conclusion, there is a portion of the Church that is very alien to this entire process, but there is also another portion of the Church that is very committed to this synodal path. On the one hand, those summoned directly by the synodal process and, on the other, all these networks that in their commitment of faith and love for the Church work tirelessly for an ecclesial reform that covers so many urgent aspects, among them, the unavoidable full participation of women in it.. I would be It was very important that these extra-official voices were heard more by the “official” synod. because without a doubt, The Spirit also speaks loudly on the margins, on the edges, on the peripheries, where so many truths are brewing that do not want to be heard. so as not to destabilize the centers of power that, many times, feel that they are the sole holders of the truth. Let us hope that this coming month of October, with so much ecclesial movement, of the expected fruits. Ecclesial reform is not optional, it is essential so that the Church can be meaningful for this present moment.
2023-09-21 09:33:00
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