The Catholic Church is currently holding what may be its most significant meeting in over fifty years.
The Synod on Synodality, a gathering of bishops and leaders of the Church, has commenced in the Vatican amidst controversy and debate. Synods, which have been a part of the Church's governance for several decades, serve as a platform for bishops to discuss pressing issues and provide advice to the Pope.
However, the "Synod on Synodality," set to conclude next year, has been marred by controversy even before the formal sessions began. Conservative Catholics, including some bishops, have expressed concerns that the synod may be used to introduce liberal changes, such as allowing blessings for same-sex couples and the ordination of women as deacons.
This synod has the potential to be the most consequential meeting for the Catholic Church since the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council in 1965, as it addresses issues that have long been considered unchangeable.
The synod has already made history by including women and non-clergy members as voting participants, a first in the Church's history. This move was seen as revolutionary and indicative of the synod's intention to address matters from a diverse perspective.
Recently, a group of five Cardinals, who are part of the body responsible for electing the next pope, sent a letter known as a "dubia" to Pope Francis. The letter requested the pope to provide clear answers, in yes or no format, regarding the Church's teachings on same-sex relationships and the ordination of women to clerical positions. This request came after liberal church members suggested that these topics could be discussed at the synod.
While Pope Francis has repeatedly stated that women cannot be ordained as priests, his stance on women being ordained as deacons has been less definitive. Similarly, although the pope has made comments that are seen as friendly towards the LGBT community, he has consistently reaffirmed that homosexual activity is sinful and that marriage is between a man and a woman.
The five cardinals who signed the letter are Raymond Burke of the United States, Robert Sarah of Guinea, Joseph Zen from Hong Kong, who was previously arrested by the Chinese Communist Party, Mexican cardinal Juan Sandoval Iniquez, and German cardinal Walter Brandmuller. It is worth noting that none of these cardinals currently hold prominent positions in the Church, and several of them are over the age of 80, which disqualifies them from voting in a papal conclave. This "dubia" with yes or no questions is the second submission from the group, following the pope's seven-page response to their initial request.
The pope's responses, which have recently been made public, include a statement that "pastoral prudence" may be exercised in providing blessings to same-sex couples, as long as they do not convey a mistaken concept of marriage. The pope emphasized that when a blessing is requested, it is an expression of a plea to God for help and a trust in a Father who can guide individuals to live better lives.
In response to the pope's statements, the five cardinals issued a public letter urging Catholics to pray for the universal Church and the Roman Pontiff, emphasizing the need for clearer teaching and faithful adherence to the Gospel.
This letter from the cardinals highlights the sentiment among conservative Catholics that the synod and Pope Francis's public statements have caused confusion regarding Catholic teachings on certain issues.
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, expressed his concerns in an August letter, stating that those who seek to change Church teachings through the synod would reveal themselves as "true schismatics." He emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in Catholic beliefs and standing firm against proposed changes, without leaving the Church.
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