The Catholic Church wants more women in leadership positions and considers women as deacons

The Catholic Church’s synod of bishops and laity advocates for greater presence and responsibility for women in decision-making processes, opening the door to exploring the female diaconate, according to the meeting’s final document published this Saturday by the Vatican.

“There is an urgent need to ensure that women can participate in decision-making processes and take on responsible roles in pastoral care and service,” says the 42-page document, published this Saturday evening after being put to a vote by the 365 members of the Synod . , including the Pope.

The consultative document, approved by a two-thirds majority, was the result of nearly a month of debate and is presented as a “milestone” ahead of the second Catholic General Assembly to be held in October 2024 at the Vatican.

The text states that during the meetings, female participants, who for the first time had the right to vote and voice at the Synod, stated that “clericalism, machismo and the misuse of power continue to mark the face of the Church.”

Among the issues to be addressed in the future is “the demand for greater recognition and appreciation of the contribution of women and an increase in the pastoral responsibilities entrusted to them in all areas of the life and mission of the Church.”

However, after a month of discussion, no answers are provided on how to include women in certain spaces dedicated only to priests, and despite numerous requests from women’s groups and Catholic nuns, the text does not even mention the possibility of studying the female priesthood.

The text also explains that there was a division over women’s access to the diaconate that already exists for men, which is the ability to perform a range of ministries in the Church despite not being ordained.

“Some believe that this step would be unacceptable, as it would be contrary to tradition. However, for others, giving women access to the diaconate would be a restoration of the practice of the early Church,” the document says.

In the same text, the bishops call on the Church to listen to and not discriminate against “people who feel marginalized or excluded because of their marital status, identity and sexual orientation,” but they offer no opening on these issues, only calling for happened. the “necessary time” will come to reflect on these issues.

“In many ways, people who feel marginalized or excluded from the Church because of their marital status, their identity and their sexual orientation also ask to be heard and accompanied, and to have their dignity protected,” the text reads. which contained a reference to “LGBTQ+ people” that appeared in the working document that served as the basis for the meeting has disappeared.

However, the document emphasizes that “while hearing requires unconditional acceptance, it does not mean a refusal to provide clarity in the presentation of the gospel message of salvation or to endorse any opinion or position.”

The Synod believes that “certain topics, such as those related to gender identity and sexual orientation, the end of life, difficult family situations and ethical issues related to artificial intelligence, are controversial not only in society, but also in the Church, because they raise new questions” .

And so it argues that “deeper exploration” of these issues is needed, deferring any decision and proposing to move forward with initiatives for “collaborative debate on controversial doctrinal, pastoral and ethical issues.”

The document also emphasizes that “the Church must listen with particular care and sensitivity to the voices of victims and survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy or people with Church appointments.”

From October 4 until Sunday, the Vatican hosted this meeting, one of the most important in the Catholic Church, dedicated to reflection on the future, at which 464 participants were present, 364 with voting rights and for the first time with the participation of lay people, including 54 women.

The document, approved by more than two-thirds of the vote, is divided into topics involving “convergence of positions”, “issues to be considered” and “proposals”, and will form the basis for work over the next year, before the final session in October 2024.