3 important themes for October 2024 Synod

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,

We are hopeful that Synodality represents the future of the Church.

We ask that at the October 2024 Synod that you strongly support three main themes:

1.    Equality for laity                                                                                                                             

We are delighted to see non-bishops with Voting Rights at the October 2023 Synod. We would like to see all future Synodal assemblies including an equal number of lay people as Voting participants. And the lay participants should be selected by the laity.

2.    Unity in diversity                                                                                                                             

The October 2023 Synod showed that many of the hot button issues which we would like to see are not supported by many in the global south. Therefore, the best way forward is to embrace unity in diversity. This is clearly outlined in Chapter 19 (g) and (j) of the Synod Synthesis. This would allow some countries to move ahead with important issues of equality for laity, women, LGBTQ+ and married.

3.    Equality for Women                                                                                                                         

All ministries should be open to all the baptised who have that vocation, regardless of sex, gender orientation or marital status. The Synod Synthesis noted different positions about women’s access to the diaconal ministry. Opening access for women to the diaconate would be an important step on opening all ministries to women.

We ask for your support you for the three themes outlined at the October 2024 Synod.

Blessings and best wishes,

Colm Holmes, Chair We are Church International
Email: colmholmes2020@gmail.com                 Phone: +353 86606 3636

Dr Martha Heizer, Vice-Chair We are Church International
Email: martha@heizer.at                                       Phone: +43 650 4168500

W www.we-are-church.org

We Are Church International (WAC) founded in Rome in 1996, is a global coalition of national church reform groups. It is committed to the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church based on the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and the theological spirit developed from it.