Synod. Portugal: report warns of clericalism and highlights the role of women in the Church

Rui Saraiva – Portugal

On May 2nd, the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) published the report relating to the current phase of the Synod initiated by Pope Francis in 2021.

The Synthesis Report of the first session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was the subject of study in dioceses around the world. Portuguese dioceses are now publishing their reflection.

The work presented was prepared by the CEP Synodal Team, which includes the following members: José Eduardo Borges de Pinho, retired professor at the Portuguese Catholic University; Pedro Vaz Patto, president of the National Justice and Peace Commission; Father Eduardo Duque, professor at the Portuguese Catholic University; Carmo Rodeia, director of the Diocesan Service for Social Communications of the Diocese of Angra; Anabela Sousa, director of the CEP Communications Office and Father Manuel Barbosa, CEP Secretary and spokesperson.

Clericalism and resistance to change

The CEP text highlights the concern to “continue to discern some doctrinal/pastoral issues that still cause doubt, controversy or disagreement in the life of the Church”. They are “sexual morality, the celibacy of priests, the involvement of married ex-priests, the possibility of women’s ordination”.

The CEP highlights the existence of “resistance to change” pointing out the need to “continue to reflect on the factors that motivate the indifference of many, the resistance to change and the ways to overcome it”.

Special emphasis on the recognition that “the Church continues to be very centered on the clergy and some ‘clericalized’ lay people. “Clericalism, which, among other aspects, manifests itself in a conception of personal privilege, a style of worldly power and a refusal to be accountable, is a serious obstacle to the exercise of an authentic ordained ministry”, states the report.

“Clericalism also affects lay people with responsibilities in the life of the local Church and communities. Combating the clericalization of the laity involves a lot of turnover in leadership and the development of community participation methodologies”, states the document.

The role of women in ecclesiastical life

The CEP report “recognizes the importance of valuing the role of women in ecclesiastical life and ensuring that they can participate in decision-making processes”. For this participation to be concrete, women must assume “leadership roles, specifically in pastoral and economic councils”.

“The goal of parity must be sought, explicitly recognizing the crucial contribution of women, not only in pastoral care and ministries, but also in the Church’s mission within communities. There is a clear perception that the Church has a lot to gain from a more relevant intervention by women, in a particular way, in the proclamation and meditation of the Word of God, for a true synodal experience and full recognition of their gifts and abilities”, supports the document.

Co-responsibility, ministries and youth

This document emphasizes that “differentiated co-responsibility in the mission of all members of the People of God, according to vocations, charisms, services, and ministries, must be the normal model of ecclesial life”.

This form of work makes it possible to organize the “Church as a family and not as a structure, creating means for valuing fraternal and theological relationships in communities, as well as particular attention to some sectors: the world of health, service to the poorest and welcoming those from outside.”

“In order to implement a co-responsible pastoral model, the suggestion is made to create the figure of a ‘pastoral coordinator’ as a link between the parish priest and the community. Greater speed and lay participation in the processes of appointing bishops is suggested.

Still on co-responsibility, it is emphasized that baptismal and lay ministries should be developed with greater creativity, mentioning that these “should not be limited to internal ecclesiastical life, but should also be implemented in other areas of social life that challenge Christian responsibility in the world” , such as in the areas of illness, mourning, refugees or the unemployed.

Special attention is proposed to young people, considering that they must be challenged to be protagonists of community life “taking on services and ministries, organizing pastoral activities and integrating themselves into pastoral animation teams”.

Integrate people with disabilities and give a voice to the poor

The CEP report gives special attention to the integration of people with disabilities, recognizing that many of them “experience a condition of loneliness close to abandonment, even feeling invisible to society”.

“The Church has the mission of getting closer” to people with disabilities to “listen to them, welcome them and accompany them, combating the throwaway culture”.

“It is necessary to remove physical and attitudinal barriers for the full participation of all”, states the text which proposes that “Christian communities should integrate people with disabilities into their Pastoral Councils as a way of recognizing and valuing their apostolic abilities”.

At the same time, this report remembers the poor and recommends “an effort towards more proactivity in the awareness and practice of charity”. “Forms of integration of the poor that go beyond welfare” are suggested in an effort that involves parishes and Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), the document states.

Synodal pedagogy in the training of ordained ministers

According to the CEP report, “for a synodal Church on mission, it is urgent to recognize the need for formation of all members of the Church. Walking together requires the ability to use a common language enriched by the different languages ​​that arise from the diversity of gifts, charisms, vocations and ministries.”

Special attention “must be given to the training of ordained ministers, including in the training plans a synodal pedagogy in order to foster leadership skills and avoid clericalized and clericalizing mentalities. It is urgent that training is oriented towards co-responsibility”, states the document.

“The training to be developed must be humane and Christianly comprehensive, close to the real life of the people of God, with a view to effective monitoring of people and concrete situations, appropriate to the reality of the world and in tune with a Church that seeks to receive and implement the Council , accompanied by the female presence among the trainers. Forms of help and encouragement must be implemented to promote a more fruitful ecclesiastical service, promoting human and spiritual support to value each person and strengthen their ministry”, says the report.

It is suggested “the appreciation of various aspects to be taken into account in training: in the area of ​​psychology and teamwork”. The text proposes work with “more disadvantaged and peripheral communities”, such as prisons, communities where the sick are cared for, migrant communities or communities with ethnic minorities.

The report also refers to “monitoring affective and sexual maturation in the training of ordained ministers”.

In this report, the family is valued as the “center of ecclesial life” and its relevance in the dynamics of communities. Also highlight the importance of communication within and outside the Church. “A more relational Church” is proposed where “bonds of encounter and communication between parishes” are promoted.

Here is the essential information contained in the CEP report in this 2024 phase of the Church’s synodal path.

The second session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be in Rome next October.

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