PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR LATIN AMERICA PROPOSES SYNOD ON WOMEN

Light of Truth

The Catholic Church in Latin America must recognize and appreciate the role of women and end the practice of using them solely as submissive labourers in the parish, said members of a pontifical commission.

In addition, at the end of their plenary meeting March 6-9 at the Vatican, members of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America proposed that the church hold a Synod of Bishops “on the theme of the woman in the life and mission of the church.”

“There still exist ‘macho,’ bossy clerics who try to use women as servants within their parish, almost like submissive clients of worship and manual labour for what is needed. All of this has to end,” said the final document from the meeting.

L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, reported April 11 that the theme of the four-day meeting, “The woman: pillar in building the church and society in Latin America,” was chosen by Pope Francis.

In addition to 17 cardinals and seven bishops who are members of the commission, the Pope asked that some leading Latin American women also be invited; eight laywomen and six women religious participated in the four- day meeting and in drafting its pastoral recommendations, the newspaper said.

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