Pope Francis on Wednesday is opening a world gathering of bishops and laypeople to debate the longer term of the Catholic Church, including some hot-button issues which have previously been considered off-limits for discussion.
For the primary time, women and laypeople can vote on specific proposals alongside bishops, a radical change that’s evidence of Francis’ belief that the church is more about its flock than its shepherds.
Here is a few background on the Oct. 4-29 Synod of Bishops, which can be followed by a second session this time next yr. That session is anticipated to recommend specific proposals for Francis to think about in a future document.
WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA?
The working document for the meeting was compiled by a committee after an unprecedented two-year canvassing of rank-and-file Catholics across the globe.
The final product is supposed to stimulate debate and poses agenda items in the shape of questions. But among the questions also clarify a certain consensus that was reached in the course of the consultation phase.
For example, the document calls for concrete steps to advertise women to decision-making roles within the church, including as deacons, and for atypical faithful to have more of a say in church governance.
It calls for a “ radical inclusion” of LGBTQ+ Catholics and others who’ve been marginalized by the church, and for brand new accountability measures to examine how bishops exercise their authority to stop abuses.
“From all corners of the world, greater inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people have emerged as a top pastoral issue for the Catholic Church,” said New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics.
WHAT’S THE CONTROVERSY?
Some conservatives have expressed doubts in regards to the synod ever since Francis announced it three years ago. They have warned that bringing up for debate issues which have already been settled by the church risks schism.
They have penned articles, written books and hosted conferences. Just this week, five conservative cardinals from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas made their challenge to Pope Francis public.
In a letter posed as five questions, or “dubia,” they asked him to affirm church teaching on matters of doctrine, homosexuality, female ordination and church authority because they said the synod was sowing confusion.
Francis responded to the cardinals in a letter released by the Vatican on Monday. He explained that changes on this planet stimulate the church to raised understand and explain its teachings, and that the synod is a technique to discern the trail forward.
“With much sincerity, I let you know it’s not good to be afraid of those questions,” Francis told them.
WHO’S COMING?
There are 365 voting members including the pope, 54 of whom are women. Their numbers are divided amongst delegates chosen by national bishops’ conferences, members nominated by the pope himself and 10 priests and nuns chosen by religious orders.
In addition, there are around 100 experts and “facilitators” who’ve been brought in to assist move the dialogue along because the meeting works through the agenda. But they’ll not vote on any final document.
Two late additions to the list are bishops from China, in a very important signal of cooperation because the Vatican and Beijing try to enhance ties particularly over the lifetime of the Catholic Church in China.
Bishops Antonio Yao Shun from Jining in Inner Mongolia and Yang Yongquiang of Zhoucun in Shandung province were nominated by Francis after the church in China put their names forward.
The archbishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow, said their participation was particularly significant.
“It’s an indication of goodwill and possibly that they realize the church in China and the federal government desires to say there needs to be closer, more episcopal contacts between China and the universal church,” Chow told The Associated Press. “Their presence is de facto chatting with that.”
A SECRET SYNOD?
The two-year preparatory phase of the synod was marked by a radical transparency consistent with the goals of the method for participants to hearken to one another and learn from each other. So it has come as something of a surprise that Francis has essentially imposed a media blackout on the synod itself.
While originally livestreams were planned, and several other extra communications officers were hired, organizers have made clear it is a closed-door meeting and participants have been told to not speak to journalists.
Paolo Ruffini, answerable for communications for the meeting, denied the talk had been put under the pontifical secret, one in every of the very best types of confidentiality within the church.
He insisted that it was a liturgical moment of prayer and discernment, pointing to a 1990 essay by a late cardinal extolling the advantages of “silence” in communication.
No every day briefings are planned as in previous synods, though five are scheduled over the course of the meeting. Francis has defended the brand new regime as favoring real dialogue.
Challenged on the dearth of transparency, Francis has said he didn’t want “political gossip” leaking out with news of participants duking it out over tough issues.
“This isn’t a television show,” he told reporters during an airborne news conference in August.
