NCR: Church reformers hopeful about synod document mention of women’s ordination, LGBTQ inclusion

Church reform groups and theologians say they are finding hope in the new Vatican document setting the stage for the upcoming Synod of Bishops in October, even as many harbor reservations or skepticism about the possible outcomes of the synod itself.

The document, released June 20, mentioned many topics previously considered taboo in similar high-level conversations, including the ordination of women to the diaconate, inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics, the possibility of married priests and reckoning with and responding to the sexual abuse crisis. …

…In a press release, the Women’s Ordination Conference, which works for the ordination of women as deacons, priests and bishops, wrote, “the synodal dialogue will be painfully incomplete if it does not adequately address the widespread calls to open all ordained ministries to women.”

Kate McElwee, the group’s executive director, told NCR: “We are asking that the women who have discerned this sincere call to ordination are present and heard at the synod assembly.”

Read the entire article in the National Catholic Reporter here.