We welcome the Irish Bishops announcement of a National Synodal Assembly and their call for submissions for a new lectionary for Ireland.
We are happy to hear from our bishops that they:
• “hear a cry for transparency, greater participation and accountability in the Church.”
• “are also aware that many people have left Church behind and in some cases feel ignored, excluded or forgotten – we need to hear their voices also.”
Our church in Ireland has been in crisis for several decades with two generations walking away due to scandals and absence of reforms. Hence, we are disappointed at the lack of urgency for the National Synodal Assembly to take place “within the next five years.” We would urge that this be revised to within the next three years.
The issues that the National Synodal Assembly needs to address are well known as the same issues are being discussed in the Amazon, Germany, Australia and elsewhere:
• New governance structures to de- clericalise the institutional church and reflect the inclusive message of the Gospel
• Equality for Women and LGBTQ+ persons
• All Renewed ministries open to all the baptised
We will be making a submission on the new lectionary for Ireland in favour of inclusive rather than sexist language.