France has published its first synthesis of what Catholics who participated in the synodal process believe should be top priorities for their Church
“It is not only a question of women exercising much more responsibility in leadership, which must be done. Their place is also expected at the heart of sacramental life,” the document notes.
The exercise was tedious, given the magnitude of the expectations, dreams and regrets that more than 150,000 Catholics in France expressed over the last few months while participating in the synodal process.But Bishop Alexandre Joly of Troyes and his national team that is accompanying the Synod on Synodality were able to take the diocesan syntheses and turn them into a 10-page report, which was published on Thursday.The text is divided into three main chapters – the importance of “finding inspiration in the Word of God”, the urgency of “proposing meaningful and credible signs in society” and the need for “places of fraternal dialogue”. It is meant to help the bishops reflect further on the issues when they meet in an extraordinary plenary assembly June 14-15 in Lyon in the presence of lay invitees.The latter will have no decision-making power, but “for the first time” they will be able to participate “in all the working sessions of the assembly”, according to the French Bishops’ Conference (CEF).

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