We thank John Chuchman for this reflection which sums up the hopes and aspirations of the We Are Church movement.
A Truly Catholic Church
is a loving church
where the equality of all the faithful is respected,
the gulf between clergy and laity is bridged
and the People of God
select their bishops and pastors,
is a church with equal rights for women,
where women are full participants in decision-making
and are welcomed in all ministries,
including the diaconate and the ministerial priesthood,
is a church where priests choose
either a celibate or non-celibate way of life,
where the right of a congregation to the Eucharist and pastoral care
are more important than canon law,
is a church which affirms:
the sacredness of sexuality,
the primacy of conscience,
the human rights of all persons regardless of sexual orientation,
and the importance of issues other than sexual morality,
is a church which:
affirms people rather than condemns them,
respects primacy of conscience in all moral decision-making,
embraces and welcomes those who are divorced and remarried,
married priests,
theologians,
and others who exercise freedom of speech.
A Truly Catholic Parish
is a joyful Christian community
which celebrates the loving word of God
in worship and in action,
transcends traditional boundaries
and welcomes those who seek spiritual growth and social justice,
welcomes diverse ideas
and encourages reflection on the message of the Gospel,
is committed to the equality of all
and strives to ensure full participation
through liturgy, education and service,
seeks to empower all to grow in wisdom
and bring to reality the promise of Christ.