A recipe for absolute chaos. The only things not on the table would be certainty, tradition, stability...and humility.
I'm not sure if there will be a post-synodal exhortation only in 2025 as the synodal process was extended last year to October 2024 but I'm wondering if by 2024 we will already be with local autonomous synods with Rome just waiting to reap the results of the "pastoral experiences" that Each Church experienced over a year-long process in order to capitalize on all of this for the Universal Church.
Four Women Opt Out of German Synodal Way, Saying It ‘Departs From the Universal Church’ What is more, the departing delegates — three of whom are university professors, and two are Ratzinger Prize winners — accused the process organizers of using pressure tactics not commensurate with synodality. From left: Katharina Westerhorstmann, Dorothea Schmidt, Marianne Schlosser, and Hanna-Barbara Gerl-Falkovitz. (Photo: Screenshot ) AC Wimmer/CNAWorldFebruary 22, 2023 Ahead of the German Synodal Way’s final meeting next month, four prominent participants — all of them women — officially announced they were quitting the controversial process on Wednesday. The theology professors Katharina Westerhorstmann and Marianne Schlosser — together with philosopher Hanna-Barbara Gerl-Falkovitz and journalist Dorothea Schmidt — raised fundamental objections about the direction and the conduct of the German event on Feb. 22, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner. The Synodal Way was “casting doubt on central Catholic doctrines and beliefs,” the women said in a statement published by the newspaper Welt. They also accused organizers of ignoring the Vatican’s repeated warnings and interventions. What is more, the departing delegates — three of whom are university professors, and two are Ratzinger Prize winners — accused the process organizers of using pressure tactics not commensurate with synodality. In response to a request for comment from CNA Deutsch, the communication directors of the Synodal Way, Britta Baas and Matthias Kopp, offered a brief statement on Wednesday: “The presidium of the Synodal Way has noted the decision with regret.” In December of last year, however, a key architect of the German process freely admitted that the Synodal Way was designed to create “pressure” on the Church to change Catholic teaching. Thomas Sternberg, former president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), said the controversial process from the outset wanted to achieve changes to the Church’s teaching on homosexuality, the ordination of women, and other topics. The German Synodal Way is scheduled to conclude with a final meeting in Frankfurt from March 9–11. While delegates have voted for several controversial demands — including the ordination of women priests — previous meetings have also led to tumultuous scenes, making it clear that not all participants agree with the organizers’ agenda. However, the four women on Feb. 22 said they could no longer in good conscience participate in a process that was “more and more” separating the Church in Germany from the universal Church. “The resolutions of the past three years have not only called into question essential foundations of Catholic theology, anthropology as well as Church practice, but have reformulated and in some cases completely redefined them,” the women said. “We cannot and will not share responsibility for that.” ‘Fixation on Ordination’ of Women? The 2018 Ratzinger Prize winner Marianne Schlosser has previously raised concerns, identifying a “fixation on ordination” of women at the process. A professor of theology at the University of Vienna, Pope Francis appointed Schlosser as a member of the International Theological Commission in 2014. She was also appointed a member of the study commission investigating the female diaconate in 2016. In an interview with CNA Deutsch last year, Schlosser pointed to several problems with the process, in particular, demands for the ordination of women to the priesthood. She warned that the sacrament of holy orders could not just be conflated with hierarchical positions of power. Vatican Concerns ‘Not Forwarded’ In their Wednesday “departure note,” Westerhorstmann, Gerl-Falkovitz, Schmidt, and Schlosser also said the Vatican’s concern about introducing a permanent synodal council in Germany “has not been forwarded to the members of the synodal assembly nor otherwise brought directly to their attention.” Pope Francis and other Church leaders have expressed serious concerns about the idea. Such a body would function “as a consultative and decision-making body on essential developments in the Church and society,” according to a Synodal Way proposal. More importantly, it would “make fundamental decisions of supra-diocesan significance on pastoral planning, questions of the future, and budgetary matters of the Church that are not decided at the diocesan level.” Last month, in response to warnings from Rome about taking such a step, the president of the German bishops’ conference suggested he would pursue a “fallback option.” In their statement, the four signatories on Wednesday said they saw “the need for a profound renewal of the Church, which also has structural relevance.” “At the same time, we are convinced that there is a renewal worthy of the name only in the preservation of the ecclesial communion across space and time — and not by rupturing from it.” So far, no bishops have opted out of the controversial process. In 2020, Auxiliary Bishop Dominikus Schwaderlapp of Cologne renounced his participation in the synodal forum on sexual morality. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nc...ying-it-departs-from-the-universal-church?amp
They won't like that. If the women leave, they'll be left looking like the bunch of homosexualists that they are. One wonders if the issue of women's 'ordination' is only a cover to make less obvious the real agenda of sodomy uber alles.
I have been thinking that once there is a transition to a "democratic and decentralized" synodal church, every active member of the nucleus of a diocese will have to go through a great trial as they see the commandments of the Church come under attack from the modernists; many will feel a call from God at this time; meanwhile in Rome the "Saint Gallen Mafia heirs" will only need to elect a successor to Francis who supports the great global political/economic reset; after all, the stage of creating chaos in the church will have already been completed.
CHURCH Sr Nathalie Becquart: ‘Synodality – the process that ecclesializes' Day two of the Asian Continental Assembly on Synodality began with an orientation provided by Sr Nathalie Becquart, who praised the delegates for their ability to talk about tensions without tension. By Sr Bernadette M Reis, fsp – Bangkok Moderating Saturday’s proceedings for the Asian Continental Assembly on Syndality were Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi, India; Dr Christina Kheng, a member of the Commission on Methodology; and Momoko Nishimura, a member of the Discernment and Drafting Group. The orientation for the day’s work was provided by Sr Nathalie Becquart, Under-secretary for the General Secretariat for the Synod. She began by reiterating that synodality is a “call of God.” “At this stage of the reception of the Second Vatican Council,” she continued, “synodality has been discerned as the will of God for the Church of the third millennium.” Synodality has already been defined in the Synod on Youth, she noted. “One of the fruits” gathered from “listening to the young people and discerning,” that took place during that Synod, is the understanding that “the only way to transmit the faith today… is to be a synodal Church.” Synodality presupposes transformation Synodality requires kenosis, self-emptying, Sr Nathalie continued. “It's really a path of conversion and transformation that asks us a lot of courage to speak, to listen with humility”, she said. It requires attentiveness to the movement of the Spirit of truth within. She also commended those participating in the Asian Continental Assembly, observing: “You have talked a lot about tensions, but without tension.” Synodality is creative Gratitude is also a necessary ingredient, Sr Nathalie explained. “The more we can discern the gift of synodality we have already received, the more we will unfold the past for the future because synodality is a creative path.” She compared the journey we are on as the journey the disciples understood in Matthew 14 when they had to cross the lake. “It's an unknown side and at the time we can be afraid like the disciples.” But crossing the lake will lead us to the heart of synodality which is “to deepen our discernment of the signs of the times.” 24/02/2023 Mass of the Holy Spirit opens Asian Continental Assembly on Synodality 24/02/2023 Cardinal Grech: ‘tracing the Catholic path to synodality’ Moving from I to WE Characterizing the work before the Assembly on Saturday, Sr Nathalie underlined the importance of choosing priorities. These priorities, she suggested, should help deepen “an ecclesial, Asian ‘we – W-E’" since the document the delegates are preparing represents “the specific contribution of Asia for the next step of the synod, and for the drafting of the working document for the assembly in Rome. Synodality is this process that ecclesializes us.” She further clarified that it is the “methodology of spiritual conversation” that leads to communion, moving from “I” to “we – W-E.” Sr Nathalie concluded by recognizing that fear is naturally part of the process. The spiritual transformation synodality presupposes is “an adventure because everywhere you have a call for change, a new way of being, we experience…some resistance of fears." “But if we are confident that it is really the call of God, and the will of God, we will receive the grace to continue to discern the path.” Discerning the “gaps” Dr Christina Kheng introduced the small group work examining the “gaps,” issues that are missing from the Continental Document: concerns or issues not sufficiently discussed, Asian realities that can be included as “gaps,” and any comments or observations they want to include in the dialogue. After a moment of prayer and group discussion, groups reported to the large assembly regarding what their group’s responses were. Among the gaps that were expressed were the domestic Church and family life, where synodality begins; human trafficking; migration; care for the common home; missionaries of peace for peacebuilding; interreligious dialogue in countries where Christians are a minority; and communicating as a synodal Church. Discerning the priorities The second group work focused on priorities, a very important phase of the Assembly, said Dr Kheng. She reminded everyone that these priorities are not general priorities, but those that “are the most urgent for Asia as a continent now” regarding synodality. The family, formation of all categories of the faith, the liturgy, inclusivity and hospitality, accountability and transparency, and care for creation were among the priorities cited frequently. Before breaking for lunch, delegates took 30 minutes in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. After lunch, the small groups spent an hour in spiritual conversation on the process they had experienced so far. Then proposed amendments to the Draft Response were discussed in small groups and submitted to be considered by the entire Assembly. The second full day of the Continental Assembly concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop emeritus of Karachi. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/churc...ental-assembly-nathalie-becquart-day-two.html
It caught my attention that the liturgy was one of the priorities of the discussion, since the faithful will probably not be able to ask for the return of the Tridentine rite, which suffered a profound restriction this week.
Cardinal Hollerich: 'Church of Asia has a lot to give the world' The third and final day of the Asian Continental Assembly on Synodality opened with an orientation by Cardinal Hollerich, who focused his remarks on synod as symphony and the need for conversion. By Sr Bernadette M. Reis, fsp - Bangkok The final day of the Asian Continental Assembly on Synodality began with a moment of sharing among the participants. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, Philippines; Teresa Wu, Member of the Synodal Team of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan; and Prof. Estela Padilla, from the Philippines and a member of the Theological Commission of the Synod, moderated the day’s proceedings. Moderators for the final day of the Asian Continental Assembly Synod as Symphony Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, General Relator of the Synod on Synodality, provided three points to orient the day’s proceedings. He picked up on an observation made by one of the working groups. “One small group spoke about synergy, solidarity, symphony,” the Cardinal said. “Let me pick up the word ‘symphony.’” A symphony includes repetition and discipline, and requires that every musician take care of their instrument. “If the piano is not tuned, it will be an awful symphony, be a cacophony.” “Synodal conversion is the way we have to tune our instruments. Conversion is always conversion to Christ.” Ecumenism based on baptism This conversion requires the humility of letting go of our own ego, he continued, so as to “look at each other and see the dignity of baptism in each of us.” Beginning with baptism, rather than communion, will open a “new spring of ecumenism based on baptism,” he said, noting that the creed bases the identity of Christian faith in baptism. Synodal interpretation of creation In his third and final point, Cardinal Hollerich offered a synodal interpretation of the creation text. Rather than looking at the text as the creation of “man,” or “man and woman,” or the institution of marriage and the family, a “synodal interpretation of the text” is that “humanity” was created, he said. “We as Church are part of that humanity, and we are called to serve humanity. So, a synodal Church is a Church that is missioned by Christ, proclaiming the Gospel. And if we do not serve the world, nobody will believe in [our] proclamation of the Gospel.” Fruit of synod in the digital era The fruit a synodal Church can give the world will be demonstrated in dialogue with other religions and bringing community into the individualization promoted by the digital culture. This requires a further “conversion to our time”, the Cardinal noted, since “we are in the year 0 of the digital era. And young people [are] already in the year 0.1…. And sometimes we as bishops are in minus 0.1” – before the digital era. “Synodality, bringing community back to the heart of living together, is a service to this new era.” In his final remarks, the Cardinal reminded the participants, “We all are on our way with Christ,” and invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He concluded saying: “The Church of Asia has a lot to give to the world.” Draft response moves forward After a period of silent prayer, Father Clarence Devadass, member of the Discernment and Drafting Team, presented the updated draft response to the Continental Document under discernment and review. This new draft was compiled with the use of both AI and HI (Human Intelligence), Fr Devadass noted. In fact, the Asia Continental Assembly is the first of the Continental Assemblies to incorporate the use of digital technologies to gather the amendments and input from the participants. He then introduced all of the places in the first draft where amendments had been made. Final Day of the Asian Continental Assembly Amended draft approved Prof. Padilla then invited participants to spend time in silent reflection on the amended text. Lively discussions ensued, after which each group presented their feedback to the amended draft. Consensus was then reached that the delegates were favourable that the amended draft reflected their input, and a vote of confidence taken regarding the further modifications that would be made by the Writing Team. It was also explained that once the Writing Team incorporated the final observations obtained from the Assembly, the text will be presented to the member Episcopal Conferences of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) for their approval. The final document will then be sent to the General Secretariat of the Synod by the FABC. Synodal structures During the afternoon session, participants reflected, discussed, and reported on how ecclesiastical structures can be changed or created to enhance synodality in the Church, and what they would like to see happen at the October 2023 and October 2024 sessions of the synod. Cardinal Mario Grech offers final remarks Asian Continental Assembly concludes Cardinal Mario Grech addressed the Assembly one final time, expressing his gratitude for a “wonderful experience.” “After this experience,” he continued, “I will not be able to forget this Church,” which was followed by a round of applause. The Synod on Synodality is about the People of God, he continued. The question is not “What is the Church?” but “Who is the Church?” He reiterated that everyone is invited to walk together so “Christ will be able to encounter humanity today.” Thus, a synodal Church naturally moves toward the goal of mission, evangelization. Synodality is the dimension of the Church from the first-century Christian experience that needs to be retrieved, he said. The beauty of the journey is that we are trying to find “the right balance between the sensus fidelium and the ministry of the hierarchy…. In these last few days,” he said, “you managed to strike the right balance,” he told Asian Assembly participants. He then affirmed that the Asian characteristics of the Church will benefit the entire Church. “Let us hope that with this exercise…your document,” will contribute in the work the Bishops have before them in the synod sessions, and that “synodality will bring a change.” He also invited them to return to their local communities and extend his gratitude and that of the Holy Father, and to continue to sow the seeds of synodality which can provide a new “impetus for evangelization.” Archbishop Kikuchi concludes the Asian Continental Assembly on Synodality Archbishop Kikuchi also provided some final remarks and formally closed the Assembly. He expressed gratitude for everyone’s active participation, which made the Assembly successful. Assembly participants then participated in the celebration of the Sunday liturgy presided over by Cardinal Charles Bo, President of the FABC. In his homily, he challenged the tendency of many Catholics to give up certain vices only to return to them once we have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection. Instead, he suggested that Lent contains an acronym that can lead toward synodal conversion: L for letting go; E for encounter; N for neighborliness; and T for transformation. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/churc...llerich-synod-continental-assemblea-asia.html
the book of Genesis will become a politically incorrect book in the synodal church for making the clear distinction between gender and the creation of man and woman; if the purpose of the Church is to serve the world then will Francis back the power of the state with laws to persecute Christians who dare to preach against homosexuality?
Good questions. The serpent is coiling all around the sacred scriptures of Genesis trying to squeeze it into conformity with "the agenda"......So God really didn't say what He said. We are so enlightened we know differently." Why aren't they terrified of falling into the Hands of the Living God? Shaking my head.
by the way... the use of artificial intelligence to collect contributions from participants also caught my attention; imagine how credible and unbiased this is in a process that could change Church teachings.
If Genesis is non-PC, wait until they get into Leviticus. I’m probably way over simplifying this synodality process and/or already in my head preparing to ignore what comes of it (as best I can). But, I guess I see it like parents wanting to meet with and get their kids of various ages and stages on board to work together to be a family, to grow, and care for one and other. As patent, It certainly is important to listen and try to incorporate kids ideas and suggestions. But in the end, the parents rule and lay down the law out of love for their kids. Example…. Parents want kids to eat healthy meals. Kids (especially young ones) want chocolate and candy all day. Do parents say sure… or do they say no, it’s not good for you? Or with teens, parents set curfews and rules for chores etc. Teens say I want to be out all night, I want to be on laptop all day, etc. Do good parents say yes to this or do they instill discipline out of love? Like I said, maybe I’m simplifying this… but the Church is a parent in many ways… sure… let’s all talk and discuss …this is a healthy thing to do. But, it does not mean we allow “kids” impose their will. Part of problem I guess is some of the kids are now parents. prayers for this process as the Church goes through it.
By Elise Ann Allen Mar 1, 2023 |Senior Correspondent Share Members of the German Bishops’ Conference take a group photo at the start of their spring plenary assembly in Dresden on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. (Credit: German Bishops’ Conference/Ralph Sondermann.) ROME – At the start of their spring plenary assembly, the leader of the German bishops’ conference told reporters that they are essentially ignoring a Vatican veto on a new governing body for the church in Germany, and that plans are moving ahead regardless. From Feb. 27-March 2, 62 of German’s 67 bishops will be gathered in Dresden for the springtime meeting. Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, president of the German bishops’ conference, started things off on a controversial note when on Monday, at the start of their plenary meetings, he told journalists that he had sent a letter to the Vatican responding to their earlier veto of the proposed new “Synodal Council” in Germany. According to German Catholic news site Katholisch.de, Bätzing told reporters that in his letter, he explained again what the purpose of the Synodal Council is, and what the goal is of the Synodal Committee, which is expected to be rolled out next week and is tasked with forming the Synodal Council over the next three years. Mention was also made of the German bishops’ ad limina visit to Rome in November of last year, during which a special inter-departmental meeting was held with the leaders of several Vatican offices to discuss the German church’s national “Synodal Path.” Noting that both parties had agreed to stay in touch about the process, Bätzing in his comments to reporters said, “We are ready at short notice at any time to go to Rome and continue the talks there that we started at the inter-dicastery meeting,” and said communication with the Vatican, at this point conducted mostly through letters, has been “difficult.” Bätzing also said his letter will eventually be published but did not say when. His letter was addressed to Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin; Spanish Cardinal Luis Ladaria, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishop. Last month, the three wrote a letter to Bätzing that was endorsed by Pope Francis in which they essentially vetoed the Synod Council, which is intended as an advisory body that will be composed of roughly 80 people, divided more or less equally between bishops and laypeople. The idea for the Synodal Council was approved during the fourth plenary assembly of Germany’s “Synodal Path” last September, and its task would be to make “fundamental decisions of supra-diocesan importance.” A “Synodal Committee” set to be established next week will be tasked with formally establishing the Synodal Council so as to be active by 2026. The committee would be co-chaired by Bätzing and layperson. The letter sent by Parolin, Ouellet, and Ladaria nixing the proposal was sent as a response to concerns voiced by several German bishops, who in December of last year wrote their own letter to the Vatican asking for clarification about what canonical status the Synodal Council would hold, and whether they would be obliged to participate if named a member. In their letter, the three Vatican officials said no, and warned that the Synodal Council would “form a new leadership structure of the Church in Germany which…seems to place itself above the authority of the German bishops’ conference and actually to replace it.” They said the proposal is contrary to the authority “of teaching and of governing” that a bishop receives at his ordination. RELATED: Vatican, German bishops spar over proposal for new ‘Synodal Council’ Bätzing in his comments to journalists Monday reportedly said the Synodal Committee would be launched next week as planned, despite the Vatican’s concerns. His remarks and letter are the latest in what has been a somewhat tense ongoing tug-of-war between the Vatican and the German bishops over the German church’s disputed “Synodal Path” process, in which the Vatican has intervened on numerous occasions. The German Synodal Path was launched in 2019 as a response to the clerical abuse crisis in Germany with the stated aim of giving laypeople more prominent roles in church leadership. However, the process quickly diverted and grew contentious over outspoken calls by leaders in the discussion including laypeople and bishops, for women to be ordained priests and for priests to administer blessings to same sex couples. Proposals have also been made to end mandatory priestly celibacy, allowing priests in the Latin rite to marry, and to approve of same-sex marriage. Calls have also been raised for women to administer baptisms, and for laypeople to participate in the election of their bishops. As debate over the proposals grew, the Vatican intervened last summer, issuing a statement cautioning the German bishops against stoking division and insisting that the Synodal Path holds no authority on matters of doctrine and morals. In response, Germany’s bishops said they were surprised, and wanted to discuss the process further. The opportunity for this discussion presented itself when the German bishops made their ad limina visit to the Vatican last November, when a special meeting was held between the 62 German bishops who came and the heads of several Vatican departments, including Ouellet and Ladaria. During that meeting, it was suggested by some Vatican officials that “moratorium” be issued on the German Synodal Path, but that proposal was ultimately rejected, and both sides agreed to move forward while continuing to dialogue with one another about the process. In his remarks to reporters Monday, Bätzing touched on the question of division and the Vatican’s warning against creating division through the Synodal Path, which will soon conclude. He called the reform process of the German church a “serious, critical situation” that would not be resolved at this week’s plenary assembly, and referred to the objections made by the Vatican at various points in the process. “So, we don’t go (along) the synodal path in peace,” he said, but rejected the notion that divisions over the Synodal Path and its proposals would lead to a fresh schism in the Catholic Church. “Anyone who talks about division expects something from it (the Synodal Path),” Bätzing said, saying, “I don’t talk about it because nobody wants it.” Follow Elise Ann Allen on Twitter: @eliseannallen https://cruxnow.com/church-in-europe/2023/03/german-bishops-apparently-ignore-vatican-veto
After reading all this nonsense all I have to say is.... Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. They have thier agenda and try to twist scripture and established Church teaching to support it. There is no point in following what they are presenting.
