ICRN Supports Sister X in India and Full Inclusion in the Synodal Process

The International Catholic Reform Network (ICRN) with representatives from 5 continents, met on 28-29 January 2022 online.

Seven speakers from India spoke of the strong patriarchal structures in society and in church which impact adversely on the lives of women, LGBTQ+ and Dalits. ICRN supports the appeal against the acquittal of Bishop Franko Mulakkal on multiple rape charges of Sister X. ICRN calls on Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferao, president of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India to meet with Sister X and investigate the behaviour of Bishop Mulakkal.

Reports from all continents showed a mixed response to the synodal process leading to the Bishops Synod in 2023. In some regions, such as South Africa and East Africa, it appears there is good co-operation from the bishops. In many other regions, the picture is more dismal. We heard disappointing reports from Australia where 17,500 submissions were effectively disregarded at the Plenary Council and from Mexico where the assembly in November 2021 had very few women and a clear sign that the clergy wants to keep their power. Yet, the German Synodal Path may be a good possibility for addressing the important reform issues with clergy and laity working together.

The abuse of power and clerical sex abuse and cover up in many countries has led to a lack of trust in the monarchical hierarchical structures. Yet, many Catholic Reform groups are actively involved in preparing submissions and encouraging participation in the 2023 Synod process. The reservation of all power and authority to clerics, the treatment of women, LGBTQ+, divorced and remarried are critical issues that need to be changed.

There were many voices who favoured giving less time and energy to seeking reforms through the hierarchy and instead devote most of their time and energy to focus on developing a New Way of Being Church by creating Small Christian Communities (SCC), Base Ecclesial Communities (BEC), and grassroots communities for greater participation, communion & meaningful mission: “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there”.

ICRN Steering Committee:                                                                                      ICRN Website: https://icrn.info/

Martha Heizer (Austria); Colm Holmes (Ireland); Rasto Kocan (Slovakia);

Deborah Rose (USA); Virginia Saldanha (India); Max Stetter (Germany);

Contacts:

Deborah Rose, USA +1 513.673.1401 debrose@futurechurch.org

Martha Heizer, Austria +43.650.4168500 martha@heizer.at

Virginia Saldanha, India +91 98196 26197 womynvs@gmail.com

ICRN was founded in 2012 for the purpose of drawing together the best practices of communities around the world to bring about a Church that is welcoming and inclusive, reflecting and living the Gospel message so as to bring about the reign of God in our troubled world.