Here is the summary of the discussion that took place this morning during the twelfth meeting of the III Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, which is taking place in the Synod Hall at the Vatican.
Holy Father: Present
The tenth General Congregation involved the presentation, in the Hall, of the Relations from the ten working groups, subdivided by languages: two in French, three in English, three in Italian and two in Spanish. In general, the working groups presented both an evaluation of the Relatio post disceptationem (RPD), the mid-term interim documentation of the Synod proceedings, and various possible suggestions to be inserted in the Relatio Synodi (RS), the final and definitive fruit of the sessions.
First, concern was expressed in the Hall for the publication, even if legitimate, of the RPD, since, it was said, it was a working document which does not express a common opinion held by all the Synod Fathers. Therefore, having expressed appreciation for the work that was done to draft the text and to develop its structure, the working groups presented their suggestions.
First, it was noted that the RPD focused on the preoccupations of families in crisis, without a broader reference to the positive message of the gospel of the family, to the fact that marriage as a sacrament, an indissoluble union between a man and a woman, is a value that is still very present and in which many couples still believe. For this reason, it was wished that the RS should also contain a strong message of encouragement and support on the part of the Church for those who are faithful to their spouses.
Also essential - it was said - is better evidence of the doctrine on marriage, insisting that it is a gift from God. Additional suggestions include that in the RS some other elements not contained in the RPD should be integrated, such as the theme of adoption, for which it is hoped that there will be a streamlining of bureaucratic procedures, both at national and international levels; as well as the themes of biotechnology and the dissemination of culture through the web which can influence family life; and a note on the importance of policies in favour of families.
And again: it was said that it is necessary to pay more attention to the elderly within the nuclei of families and to families who live in conditions of extreme poverty, to denounce the dramas of prostitution, of female genital mutilation and of the exploitation of children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and child labour. It is important - it was said in the Hall - that the essential role of families in evangelization and in the transmission of faith be highlighted, with particular attention to the role of families in promoting vocations. All of this should also bear with it the goal of providing a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the concept of the family in a Christian sense.
As to difficult family situations, the working groups have shown that the Church should be a house of welcome for all people; no one should feel abandoned. Nonetheless, it was hoped that greater clarity might be provided in order to avoid confusion, hesitation and euphemisms in language: for example, regarding the law of gradualness, lest there should result a gradualness of the law. Some groups also expressed concern for the analogy made in paragraph 8 of Lumen Gentium, since it might give the impression of a willingness on the part of the Church to legitimize some irregular family situations, even though they may represent a certain step along the way toward the sacrament of Marriage. Other working groups called for a deepening of the concept of spiritual communion, so that it might be evaluated and eventually promoted and diffused.
As to the admission of the divorced and remarried to the Sacrament of the Eucharist, in general, there were two reflections offered: on one hand, it was suggested that the doctrine not be modified, but rather that it remain as is; on the other hand, there was thought given to opening other possibilities for conversation, in a perspective of compassion and mercy, but only if certain conditions were to be satisfied. In some cases, moreover, it was suggested that the question should be studied by a special inter-disciplinary Commission. An increase of pastoral attention was suggested for those who are divorced but not remarried, who heroically testify at times to marital fidelity. At the same time, it was suggested that the procedures for recognizing the nullity of some marriages and the validity of others be accelerated; and it was also noted that children are not a burden, but rather a gift from God, the fruit of love shared between spouses.
A request was received for a greater Christo-centric orientation as well as greater emphasis on the link between the sacraments of Marriage and Baptism. The vision of the world should be seen through they lens of the gospel, in order to invite people to a conversion of heart.
In addition, it was confirmed that, notwithstanding the impossibility of equating marriage between a man and a woman with same-sex unions, persons with this orientation should be pastorally accompanied and protected in their dignity, but without the appearance of an endorsement on the part of the Church for their orientation or their way of life. As to the question of polygamy, especially regarding polygamists who have converted to Catholicism and who wish to receive the sacraments, a comprehensive and thorough study was suggested.
The working groups also suggested a broader reflection on the figure of Mary and of the Holy Family, so that they might be proposed as models for all families. Finally, it is important to remember that the RS will be a preparatory document in anticipation of the Ordinary Synod planned for October 2015.
Tenth General Congregation
Synthesis
Holy Father: Present
The tenth General Congregation involved the presentation, in the Hall, of the Relations from the ten working groups, subdivided by languages: two in French, three in English, three in Italian and two in Spanish. In general, the working groups presented both an evaluation of the Relatio post disceptationem (RPD), the mid-term interim documentation of the Synod proceedings, and various possible suggestions to be inserted in the Relatio Synodi (RS), the final and definitive fruit of the sessions.
First, concern was expressed in the Hall for the publication, even if legitimate, of the RPD, since, it was said, it was a working document which does not express a common opinion held by all the Synod Fathers. Therefore, having expressed appreciation for the work that was done to draft the text and to develop its structure, the working groups presented their suggestions.
First, it was noted that the RPD focused on the preoccupations of families in crisis, without a broader reference to the positive message of the gospel of the family, to the fact that marriage as a sacrament, an indissoluble union between a man and a woman, is a value that is still very present and in which many couples still believe. For this reason, it was wished that the RS should also contain a strong message of encouragement and support on the part of the Church for those who are faithful to their spouses.
Also essential - it was said - is better evidence of the doctrine on marriage, insisting that it is a gift from God. Additional suggestions include that in the RS some other elements not contained in the RPD should be integrated, such as the theme of adoption, for which it is hoped that there will be a streamlining of bureaucratic procedures, both at national and international levels; as well as the themes of biotechnology and the dissemination of culture through the web which can influence family life; and a note on the importance of policies in favour of families.
And again: it was said that it is necessary to pay more attention to the elderly within the nuclei of families and to families who live in conditions of extreme poverty, to denounce the dramas of prostitution, of female genital mutilation and of the exploitation of children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and child labour. It is important - it was said in the Hall - that the essential role of families in evangelization and in the transmission of faith be highlighted, with particular attention to the role of families in promoting vocations. All of this should also bear with it the goal of providing a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the concept of the family in a Christian sense.
As to difficult family situations, the working groups have shown that the Church should be a house of welcome for all people; no one should feel abandoned. Nonetheless, it was hoped that greater clarity might be provided in order to avoid confusion, hesitation and euphemisms in language: for example, regarding the law of gradualness, lest there should result a gradualness of the law. Some groups also expressed concern for the analogy made in paragraph 8 of Lumen Gentium, since it might give the impression of a willingness on the part of the Church to legitimize some irregular family situations, even though they may represent a certain step along the way toward the sacrament of Marriage. Other working groups called for a deepening of the concept of spiritual communion, so that it might be evaluated and eventually promoted and diffused.
As to the admission of the divorced and remarried to the Sacrament of the Eucharist, in general, there were two reflections offered: on one hand, it was suggested that the doctrine not be modified, but rather that it remain as is; on the other hand, there was thought given to opening other possibilities for conversation, in a perspective of compassion and mercy, but only if certain conditions were to be satisfied. In some cases, moreover, it was suggested that the question should be studied by a special inter-disciplinary Commission. An increase of pastoral attention was suggested for those who are divorced but not remarried, who heroically testify at times to marital fidelity. At the same time, it was suggested that the procedures for recognizing the nullity of some marriages and the validity of others be accelerated; and it was also noted that children are not a burden, but rather a gift from God, the fruit of love shared between spouses.
A request was received for a greater Christo-centric orientation as well as greater emphasis on the link between the sacraments of Marriage and Baptism. The vision of the world should be seen through they lens of the gospel, in order to invite people to a conversion of heart.
In addition, it was confirmed that, notwithstanding the impossibility of equating marriage between a man and a woman with same-sex unions, persons with this orientation should be pastorally accompanied and protected in their dignity, but without the appearance of an endorsement on the part of the Church for their orientation or their way of life. As to the question of polygamy, especially regarding polygamists who have converted to Catholicism and who wish to receive the sacraments, a comprehensive and thorough study was suggested.
The working groups also suggested a broader reflection on the figure of Mary and of the Holy Family, so that they might be proposed as models for all families. Finally, it is important to remember that the RS will be a preparatory document in anticipation of the Ordinary Synod planned for October 2015.
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