9 October 2021
We welcome the opening of the worldwide Synodal process today in Rome. Pope Francis is to be congratulated for promoting dialogue rather than silencing.
But the Synodal process as it is set up only gives a small window in the first phase for the people of God to let their voices be heard. The subsequent phases are all in the hands of our unelected bishops. For too long the people of God have been excluded from decision making in our church. It is important that those voting at synods should for the largest part represent the people of God and especially women.
What affects all must be decided by all.
Colm Holmes
Chair, We Are Church International
E
M +353 86 606 3636
W www.we-are-church.org
We Are Church International (WAC) founded in Rome in 1996, is a global coalition of national church reform groups. It is committed to the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church based on the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and the theological spirit developed from it.