Lay apostolate groups worldwide have made their voices heard at the synod in Rome. Current and former lay leaders from 33 countries – many in the Global South – all endorsed and are signatories to a joint statement “Contribution to the First Assembly of the Synod on Synodality”. Lay apostolate group concerns Australian Cardijn Institute Read more
The “niche issue” issue of women priests and deacons distracts the Church from addressing what women really need, a theologian participating in the Synod on Synodality says. “As a woman, I’m not focused at all on the fact that I’m not a priest,” says Professor Renée Köhler-Ryan (pictured). Köhler-Ryan is the National Head of School Read more
In a stunning revelation, it has been discovered that private deliberations at the Synod on Synodality have been accessible through an unsecured server. According to The Pillar news outlet, the records contain vital information. This includes rosters of synodal participants and their working group assignments. Reports filed by these working groups at the conclusion of the Read more
Oceania and African delegates attending the Synod on Synodality have expressed their readiness to make their voices heard by the universal Church. The delegates emphasise that their communities already practise synodality and want to share their unique perspectives. Grace Wrakia, a representative of the Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, expressed Read more
The first female president-delegate has presided at a Synod of Bishops assembly. Sister Maria de los Dolores Valencia Gomez (pictured) says her inclusion in the role at the Synod on Synodality shows the Church “has… something that places all of us at the same level”. Gomez led the Synod on Synodality assembly Friday morning in Read more
Addressing Spirit Unbounded, Pa Ropata McGowan from New Zealand said that humanity is not the master of the universe and that everything we have depends on the earth’s wellness. Organised by the International Reform Network, Spirit Unbounded is a virtual assembly running in parallel to the current Synod on Synodality, attracting participants from all over Read more
Speaking at the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich shared an introductory reflection on the “co-responsibility of the mission.” This is the subject of the third module, dedicated to section B2 of the Instrumentum laboris, or working document, which is being addressed starting today. B2 reads: “Co-responsibility in Mission: How can we better share gifts Read more
The same-sex blessings near Cologne Cathedral (pictured) were a public salute to scores of private ceremonies among European Catholics in recent years. The crowd waved rainbow flags and according to media reports, sang “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles. The mid-September rites included Catholic priests reciting blessings for same-sex and heterosexual couples and, Read more
The ongoing synod on synodality is an opportunity for the church leadership to become more accountable towards sexual abuse cases, increase laity participation, and bring more transparency within the Catholic Church, says an expert. “A synodal Church is a listening Church… but it needs to go a step further: a synodal Church is an accountable Read more
Cherie Blair is challenging traditional Catholic teachings, calling on the Church to understand family needs more and open a debate on birth control. Blair is a barrister and women’s rights advocate. She spoke by video at a parallel Synod event, Spirit Unbounded, an assembly organised by the international reform network Blair began her speech praising Read more