Just a few thoughts
From the Plenary Council
T
On Monday afternoon a number of delegates spoke
of their concern about the official Agenda. It was felt that the Agenda did not
contain sufficient emphasis on the many issues mentioned by Catholics in the
17,500 submissions received. However, Council president, Archbishop Timothy
Costelloe, made it clear that delegates must accept that discussions stay
within the bounds of the statutes of Canon Law. So that really dampens the scope
of allowable discussions.
T
It is also interesting to note that this is the
first Australian Plenary Council that has people other than bishops and priests
as the delegates. There are 278 delegates. 89 (32%) are women and 91 (33%) are
lay people
Comment from John Warhurst
–
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“…..one thread was strong, though not unanimous:-
thoughtful and passionate advocacy for women preaching.”
T
“….Francis Sullivan, whose brave initial
Intervention yesterday morning on the issue of women’s participation in
governance and ordained ministries made me so proud.”
T
Topics were varied, including marriage, secular
society and young people, and some not easily pigeon-holed. An increased role
for women in the church was taken up by various speakers, lay and religious,
and pointed references made to the minority representation of women (89) and
laity (91).
Comments from Francis Sullivan:-
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“….what struck me most starkly were the voices
that have been effectively silenced in the Plenary’s Agenda.”
T
“Some Catholics…. resist any practical measures
that would seem to ‘change Church teachings’.”
T
“It is simply not enough to say that everyone is
loved by God and then draw a line in the sand over the full participation in
the faith community of our ‘rainbow’ sisters and brothers, daughters and sons,
grandchildren and friends.”
Lay
Women At The Council – Interview by Geraldine Doogue – Audio about
25minutes
The Signs Of
The Times
Ø Catholic
Plenary awakens hope despite women’s fading trust in the hierarchy
Ø Council
members begin work of Communal Discernment
Ø Faith
leaders urge nations to care for creation
Musical
Reflection
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