Some of Recommendations of the German Synodal Way

Light of Truth

October 31st, 2022

The priesthood of ministry is within the common priesthood of all the faithful but it got exaggerated and sacralized priestly roles is perpetuating patriarchal system with its male-orientated structures
Priestly celibacy is “of value” but urges the Pope to permit the ordination of married men in the Latin Rite Church, following Eastern Catholic practice
The Catholic Church is in a serious crisis. It asserts that “a change of the Church’s power structures is necessary in the interest of successful inculturation into a free, democratic society based on the rule of law.”
Recommends that cathedral chapters, which have a role in recommending candidates to episcopacy, should work with an elected body representing the entire people of God in the diocese to determine the list of suitable candidates that the chapter sends to the Vatican.
Establish binding structures of participation and co-determination of the faithful in the diocese that he leads on the basis of their responsibility in all essential questions of the Church’s life.
Synodal council in their diocese and parishes which can modify draft decisions of the bishop or parish priest. Members will be able to contradict the vote of the parish priest with a two-thirds majority.
“Ombudsperson’s Office for the prevention and reappraisal of abuse of power by persons of authority in the Church
“Sermon regulation” commits the German bishops to revising their 1988 Sermon Code
Framework regulation for diocesan finances.
Forum concerns Women in ministries and offices in the Church.
Women in sacramental ministry considers the role of women from the early Church to the present day. Re-evaluation of cultic purity, the repression and removal of female members from the public sphere of the Church.
Diaconate of women calls for the creation of “the office of deaconess,” noting a longstanding movement in Germany in favour of female deacons.
The goal of becoming a gender equitable Church requires the increased presence of women in leadership positions, in theology, research and teaching, and in decision-making and advisory bodies.
Blessing ceremonies for couples who love each other allow blessing ceremonies in their dioceses for couples who love each other and want to commit themselves, but to whom sacramental marriage is not accessible. It underlines that “this also applies to same-sex couples on the basis of a re-evaluation of homosexuality as a normal variant of human sexuality.
The Church’s recommendation of responsible parenthood is not in fundamental conflict with a married couple’s openness to children.
The Catechism should be revised as part of a “re-evaluation of homosexuality.”
A lay woman appointed serving as a “representative of the vicar general” in a German diocese.