Why women’s voices must be heard in the Church
The voices of the young were largely absent: one contributor stated that the Church had lost connection with a generation.
Significant challenges to women’s participation in the life and mission of the Church include the need for canonical and institutional reform and the lack of representation in leadership roles, according to the Irish Church’s feedback for this autumn’s synodal assembly in Rome.
The summary report, from dioceses and groups in the Irish Church, says that while there is a growing recognition of the valuable contributions that women are making, the question of women’s ordination to the priesthood and the permanent diaconate continues to be present in Irish contributions.
“That these ministries are not open to women is seen by some as limiting their opportunities for leadership and decision-making roles, perpetuating a model of co-responsibility that is not fully inclusive,” the summary states.
Elsewhere the report notes that while some women feel very empowered in the Church today and valued for the role they hold, “it was clear in the contributions that if women’s voices are not heard at higher levels, nothing will change”.
The contributions also articulated the tension between exclusion and inclusion, and there was “a clear call for the Church to be more welcoming and hospitable” especially to those who risk being marginalised or excluded, including people in poverty, LGBTQI+ people, young people, those in irregular unions, and women.
The summary is divided into seven emerging themes. One of the key messages is the need for change and the importance of embracing a style of “differentiated co-responsibility” where clergy and the lay faithful actively participate in decision-making and leadership roles.
The document highlights the significance of Baptism as the foundational sacrament and emphasises the importance of ongoing formation, inclusivity, and dialogue within the Church.
The document notes that engagement with young people emerged as a universal theme and that “a tangible sense of anxiety was expressed in relation to the absence of young people from faith communities”.
It also highlights that with a few exceptions, “the voices of young people were missing from the listening process”. One contributor stated that the Church had lost connection with a generation.
The report does note that young people identify with Jesus Christ and see in him the incentive for the Church’s presence in Ireland of the 21st century.
“Despite this, they often feel unheard, misinterpreted, and overlooked by the wider Church. Young people feel that their gifts and contributions need to be actively sought out and valued rather than being treated in a patronising or dismissive way.”
No comments:
Post a Comment