Quick recap
Dr. Helena Jeppersen-Spuhler, a prominent advocate for women’s equality, discussed her insights and the historic participation of women in the 2023 Synod in Rome. She also highlighted the need for regional and decentralized solutions, the importance of feedback from Catholic organizations, and the need for more locally focused solutions within the Catholic Church. The team also discussed the topic of women and the place of Small Christian Communities, the potential revision of canon law within the Catholic Church, the recent German bishops’ meeting in Rome and its outcomes, and how to address obstructionist bishops, concluding with CCRI’s plan to hold a synodal gathering in September to discuss the U.S. Presidential election with bishops, clergy, and the people.
Summary
Dr. Helena Jefferson-Spuhler Discusses Consultation 2023 Synod and 2024
Rene introduced Dr. Helena Jepperson-Spuhler, a prominent advocate for women’s equality and a member of the 10 European non-bishops appointed by Pope Francis to the world synod. Helena shared her insights from participating in the 2023 Synod in Rome, emphasizing how the setup of round tables, the professional moderation, and that each of them, whether lay or clergy, had equal time to talk made the experience truly synodal. She highlighted the historic participation of women in the 2023 synod with some women being assigned as moderators of their tables. She was pleased that there were many bishops and cardinals who were genuinely open to listening. Helena noted that feedback from the diocesan consultations must be sent to the Synod office in Rome by mid-May.
Role of Women in the Church Discussion
Helena highlighted that it was the first-time women moderated such a discussion. She expressed that there was a surprising level of openness and courage in the discussions, particularly regarding the role of women, with many bishops and cardinals making bold statements and suggestions. It was very clear from reports from all over that world that something has to change with regard to the role of women. However, Helena also noted that the chapter on the role of women in the final Synthesis document was written with far more diplomatic language that, even with some corrections made, was not satisfactory to the women present. Rene noted that the focus in the “complementarity of men and women” was seriously objected to by our CCRI members hoping instead for the emphasis to be on the “equality of women.” Helena said those who were in the synod know how strong the discussion was on women. It was followed by a break in which comments were floating about that ordination of women was actually looking possible. But, in the end, this received the most no votes from the traditionalists whereas the rest of the synthesis report was supported by even more than 2/3 of those voting. Helena expressed concern that during the recent Vatican press conference, the role of women is being reviewed by one of the ten commissions set up by Pope Francis but is not expected to have their report until June 2025 – well after the close of the 2024 Synod. It was understood that certain topics would be more deeply discussed in commissions so that they would have greater substance upon which to continue the discernment in 2024. On the one hand, it is good that these are being put to a commission because they are theologically difficult topics to be discerned and decided within the synod setting. But now this apparently means that this topic will not be discussed during the next 2024 Synod. Rather the focus will be on what it will take to become a synodal church, the decision-making processes, the structures needed, the role of bishops, and how they will be selected. Without structures, she feels we cannot have a synodal church. Despite this letdown, she stressed the importance of continued dialogue and the need for further improvements for women.
Subsidiarity in the Catholic Church and Decision-Making Process
Helena s discussed the Catholic Church’s progress in accepting diverse groups, particularly in Eastern European countries, and the need for regional and decentralized solutions. She said for her the most stressful part was on the topic of inclusion. In the priests’ report for the European assembly, they called for “radical inclusion,” i.e. no one should be discriminated against. She noted that this is one topic that simply cannot be decided universally. She noted as an example that the African Continental Bishops Conference need to reflect on the problem of polygamy and find solutions to how they can deal with the LGBTQ+ community. During one of the breaks, Helena had a discussion with someone from Eastern Europe. She said in our part of the world, we must be able to bless same-sex couples and couples in second marriages. He said he understood but that could never be accepted in his country. The Latin American report called for enculturated pastoral solutions. She felt Pope Francis agrees and does not want to see universal solutions to all issues. The assembly repeatedly called for our becoming a synodal church which must consider what is accepted in each culture. Helena emphasized the importance of subsidiarity and local decision-making to address certain challenges. She expressed concerns about the decision-making process regarding topics for the upcoming Synod in October, particularly the role of women in the church. But the Synod office needs our support on moving us forward as a synodal Church. She reminded us that criticism of any aspect of how the Synod is being handled would only enhance the traditionalists. They’re looking for any excuse to denigrate the synodal process. She also highlighted the importance of gathering feedback from Catholic organizations concerning the Synthesis report – what is important about it, what is troubling, and what is missing. When asked, she agreed, and felt Pope Francis agrees, with the need to make pastoral councils mandatory made up of a representative body of the community having full decision-making authority.
Addressing Local Challenges in Catholic Church
Helena discussed the need for more locally focused solutions within the Catholic Church to address the diverse challenges faced by different regions, particularly in Eastern European countries, like the African Continental Bishops Conference’s need to reflect on the problem of polygamy and how to address the matter of the LGBT+ community. Helena emphasized the importance of subsidiarity and local decision-making to address these challenges. Despite disappointments on some topics, Helena expressed satisfaction with overall support regarding the call for a synodal church.
Discussing Lay Impact and Future Plans
Charlie asked Helena about the impact of the “Demos” objection to the synod. She said it was a very small group of cardinals and it had little impact on the movement within the synod. She noticed that even with a small group of lay people in the synod, however, the atmosphere really changed. Helena said one women from another rite in the Ukraine introduced herself as the wife of a Catholic priest. Another also from another rite said they have no priest shortage because they allow their priests to marry. Helena said imagine if only an all-male clergy were discussing the role of women. It would have been a totally different experience than it was with 54 women present. Rene mentioned two topics that were surprisingly proposed by the 2023 Synod: the formation of a committee for evaluating each bishop’s performance and expanding the lector committee to include selecting qualified members from the community to deliver the homily. Helena indicated that these proposals had little opposition and were widely accepted by the participants.
Ordained Deacons and Synod Spirituality
Helena discussed the experiences and practices for deacons, noting that they are allowed to perform certain duties such as baptisms and assisting weddings but not consecration of the Eucharist. She suggested that these practices could be changed and may contribute to a change in Church theology, particularly regarding the ordination of women. The team also discussed Michael’s query about Father Radcliffe’s book on his consultations at the Synod. Helena shared her reflections on the spirituality of the Synod and, in response to Michael’s question, the impact of Father Radcliffe’s reflections and the Ecumenical Prayer Service. It was so good that he will be back again in 2024.
Small Christian Communities and Church Reform
Discussions centered around the role of Small Christian Communities within larger parishes. She said their acceptance depends so much on the leadership of the parish and whether they are independent or a part of the parish. Helena addressed the challenges faced by parish priests and emphasized the need for education and formation of priests and laypeople. The importance of structural changes within the church was highlighted, using the example of the long process to introduce women’s suffrage. The possibility of revising the canon law within the Catholic Church was discussed, with Helena confirming that there is already a working group formed to make changes. Uncertainties were raised about the implementation of certain changes. Rene asked if the phrase “intrinsically disordered” referencing the LGBT community would be eliminated. Helena said there is an office in the Curia working on changes to canon law, but it will take time. However, the group of experts said there are some issues, like requiring parish and diocesan counsels can be changed instantly. Rene mentioned that they had previously had Myriam Wijlens as a guest who works full-time on changes to canon law within the Synod office.
Addressing Obstructionist Bishops and U.S. Election Concerns
Rene and Helena discussed how to address obstructionist bishops who refuse to acknowledge certain processes. She recommended that in such cases, feedback should be sent directly to the Synod office. Rene mentioned they are also trying to gather the email addresses of voting delegates to ensure their reports are received. They also discussed the challenge of getting the US Bishops Conference to consider their feedback, and the possibility of reaching out to international and national organizations where their reports will be taken seriously. Additionally, they expressed concern about the negative influence of certain groups, including Evangelical Christians, white Christian Nationalists, and a new group called “Catholics for Catholics,” in the upcoming US presidential election. A synodal gathering is planned for September 7th to discuss these issues with US bishops, clergy, and the people.
German Bishops’ Meeting Outcomes Discussed
Attendees discussed the recent German bishops’ meeting in Rome and its outcomes. Rene mentioned their disappointment in some lay members not being invited to this meeting. Previously, the Vatican had asked for the German Synodal Path to be halted but the German bishops had refused saying that it wasn’t fair to the people. Helena shared that the German bishops did agree not to make any major decisions without the approval of the Vatican, a move which she believed demonstrated transparency and cooperation. At least, the door is not closed. They also discussed the need for more decision-making bodies in the church, with Helena highlighting the need for inclusive discussions with the people. The conversation ended with a prayer in gratitude to the Holy Spirit for guidance and a commitment to continue working towards a better future for the Church.
Submitted by Rene Reid
March 23, 2024