Catholic groups representing many thousands of Catholics throughout the world have written to the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops questioning the commitment of many bishops to the very concept of synodality.
The letter rejects the widespread autocratic governance in the Church’s clericalist hierarchy.
The signatories to the letter expose global synodal failures – “synodal charades”: “. . . many bishops continue to lead and decide unilaterally and autocratically. Many of the mandated diocesan synods are in fact episcopally controlled, far from the spirit of synodality, with bishops determining the agendas, the participants, processes, and outcomes.”
The signatories note that canon law continues to exclude women from ‘offices the exercise of which requires the power of order or the power of ecclesiastical governance’, despite the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality, that: “There is no reason or impediment that should prevent women from carrying out leadership roles in the Church. . .”
Aim of Letter:
In essence, the signatories request the General Secretary to ensure that:
· bishops commit to synodality in practice and culture,
· all the people of God be included in synodal engagement,
· canons excluding women from leadership and ministry be repealed
· bishops and priests include the faithful fully in the spirit of synodality.
