A month-long Vatican meeting on the future of the Roman Catholic Church concluded on Saturday without clear positions on controversial matters such as women deacons and the inclusion of the LGBT community, according to Reuters. The gathering, known as a Synod of Bishops, followed an unprecedented two-year engagement with ordinary Catholics. The synod, which drew participation from 365 individuals including 300 bishops, also had representation from lay men and approximately 50 women, mostly lay people. The pope granted women and lay people the right to vote on Church affairs for the first time during the synod. A final session is scheduled for next year, after which the pope will pen a document on the Church’s challenges.
The synod released a final document comprising 81 paragraphs, each receiving a minimum two-thirds approval. Among them, two paragraphs touched upon the potential ordination of women as deacons, and despite being passed, they received the most negative votes. One paragraph merely acknowledged divergent perspectives, while the other called for further research prior to the subsequent synod session. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, one of the organizers, expressed surprise at the relatively high number of favorable votes on women deacons, indicating that the resistance may not be as strong as anticipated.
Despite pre-discussions suggesting that the synod might advocate for a more welcoming stance towards the LGBT community, the final report did not adopt a clear position on LGBT issues. However, one paragraph in the document acknowledged the plea from individuals who feel marginalized or excluded from the Church due to their marital status, identity, or sexuality, to be heard and accompanied. It emphasized that the synod participants exhibited “a deep sense of love, mercy, and compassion” towards those who feel neglected or hurt by the Church, without specifically calling for greater inclusion.
Francis DeBernardo, the Executive Director of New Ways Ministry, an organization that supports LGBT Catholics, expressed disappointment in the report, stating that it fell short of the optimistic expectations. DeBernardo emphasized the importance for the Catholic Church to adhere to the values of being an inclusive community, where everyone is welcomed, respected, and treated equally.
The conclusion of the synod will be marked by a ceremonial Mass held by the Pope on Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Source: Reuters | Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Cynthia Osterman
