Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
last yr.

Pope's Synod Releases First Document Amid Ongoing Debate on Role of Women in Church

Synod's first document outlines general updates amid strong calls for greater roles for women; key disagreements remain as critics insist on retaining 2,000-year-old church traditions barring women from the priesthood.

Overview

  • The first document from the Pope's Synod reveals divisions remain over the role of women in the church, despite a near-universal call from Catholics for greater female involvement and decision-making roles.
  • For the first time, the 364-member assembly included 54 women voting alongside the bishops, reflecting a small step towards inclusivity.
  • The document, approved 336-12, pledges the church to be committed to listening to everyone, focusing on the poor, marginalized, and victims of clerical abuse, with concrete steps taken to prevent future abuse.
  • A 40-page synthesis report due to be voted on will detail points of agreement, open questions and future work direction, with delegates returning in October next year to continue the debates.
  • Ordination of women priests is not under consideration, but the role of female deacons, a ministry existed in the early church, has been officially addressed during the meeting.