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TRANSCRIPT
Results of diocesan listening sessions are being tallied in preparation for the Vatican’s upcoming Synod on Synodality.
Church Militant’s Paul Murano explores some of the uncatholic conclusions coming in.
When Pope Francis initiated the Synod on Synodality in 2021, it was determined that dioceses would host events where Catholics could discuss with non-Catholics the direction the Church should head in the 21st century.
The results reveal a disturbing trend. The archdiocese of Cincinnati released its report in April.
On the good side, it says people are “clamoring for clergy to be consistent in moral teaching.” They also feel the need to see parents catechized. That way, parents can “be the first teachers of the Faith by their words and deeds.”
But, it also calls for the Church to reconsider the ordination of women to the priesthood and for people other than priests to deliver homilies at Mass.
It further highlights, “There were many different definitions given for the mission of the Church,” which suggests the laity does not grasp what Christ’s Church actually is.
The report also mentions respondents were evenly split about so-called LGBTQIA+ issues.
Half say, “We should accept them and their lifestyle choice,” while the others ask, “How can we as a Church accept such lifestyle choices that are clearly in conflict with divine and natural law?”
Faithful Catholics are concerned about some of the synod’s uncatholic results. It’s unsurprising, however, as some questions appear to have been worded to extract a non-Catholic response.
The U.S. bishops’ conference is expected to author its own report and submit it to the Vatican on Aug. 15.
