The position of women in the Catholic Church was a central theme of the World Synod. “There is an urgent need for women to participate in decision-making processes and take on responsible roles in pastoral care and ministry,” the final statement said. However, the admission of women to the diaconate remains controversial within the church. As deacons, they could hold baptisms, weddings and funerals – but not church services.
The World Synod therefore calls for further “theological and pastoral studies” on the topic. The results will be published at the next meeting in a year. During the synod, women spoke of a “church that hurts,” it says in the final document. They complained that “clericalism, a chauvinistic mentality and an inappropriate use of authority continue to shape the face of the Church.”
The closed-door discussions at the Vatican followed a two-year period of global deliberations over the future of the church, covering issues such as the ordination of married priests and the treatment of LGBTQ believers. For the first time, women and lay people were allowed to vote in the same way as bishops and cardinals.
Pope Francis will officially end the gathering on Sunday with a service at the Vatican. Since taking office in 2013, he has worked to reform the church and is trying to make it less hierarchical.
