Objective: To elicit voices worldwide who are seeking Roman Catholic Church reform; to support and have some influence on Pope Francis in his interaction with the Synod on the Family 2015; to back him in his decision-making and to move forward in his vision of a just, inclusive, compassionate and loving church.
Goals:
Collect tangible evidence of conversations, listening sessions, stories of lived experiences, and public affirmations that support a just, inclusive, and compassionate Church.
Create a public relations campaign via all media platforms directed at promoting a reform agenda for Synod 2015.
Strategy
Deliver a comprehensive worldwide summary of our global survey to the Synod and to Pope Francis: The experience of Catholics and all who in good faith want to see a reformed Roman Catholic Church.
Prepare, publicize, and present theologically sound arguments for reform to be made available for publication.
Tactics
- Increase the number of people and organizations who seek reform and the above objective through CCRI
- Establish an outreach committee to make contact with individuals and other organizations in order to draw them into the network under the banner of justice and inclusion, especially from countries not currently represented.
- Have an exhibition booth at the World Ordination of Families conference in Rome (Sept. 18 – 20, 2015)
- Develop new and draw upon existing evidence of the desire for reform within Catholic communities Develop and distribute a Living Voice Register that provides a professionally valid questionnaire for eliciting the experience of Catholics as they live their lives in relation to Church teaching
- Promote CCRI and seek to cooperate with other groups in tallying and utilizing the results
- Conduct another round of Regional Gatherings to gain personal experiences (possibly in conjunction with COR and Future Church in order to have a similar format)
- Draw from and collate any salient information coming from diocesan discussions/information arising from the questionnaire issued by the Vatican
- Present to the Vatican and the Pope well-argued papers on specific reforms drawing upon our research Respond to the Synod by April 15 with a CCRI perspective on what should be on the Synod agenda (drawing from our questionnaire and summary report in 2014)
- Prepare provocative papers on key issues, drawing in information from (2), and seeking advice from selected theologians and appropriate experts to ensure accuracy on key issues that are likely to be of divided opinion at the Synod. Such topics could include: divorced/remarried welcomed to the Sacraments
- the recognition of homosexuality
- primacy of conscience, especially in relation to artificial contraception
- more contemporary attitudes to the roles of women
- pastoral support and the need for married clergy
- honesty and integrity in dealing with sexual abuse
- cultural issues unique to specific countries
- Prepare Press releases to accompany each paper to enhance our visibility
- Prepare a summary document in September which highlights the most salient features of our arguments, research and our recommendations.
- Provide information to and seek the support of key people who have the ability to influence the discussions that take place at the or in the lead up to the Synod’s deliberations. Write to Presidents/Leaders of Episcopal Conferences and Nuncios on particular issues where their actions could influence the Synod on issues of justice and inclusion highlighting the fact that the Church cannot teach what it does not practice.
- Include individual bishops who support reform and gain their consensus in bold support of our message.
- Develop relationships with significant journalists and seek their advice in order to gain their interest in promoting our Press releases.
Action still being discussed with Advisors:
Gather in Philly during the World Meeting of Families (Sept. 22- 27, 2015) and, in collaboration with other Reform Groups, to have a songfest, prayer service, placards supporting Pope Francis in creating a compassionate church)/
Decide whether to have any representation in Rome during the 2015 Synod (October 4 – 25,, 2015)