MEMBERS of Brisbane’s religious communities have met as part of the consultation leading towards the world Synod of Bishops in 2023, answering key questions that could trigger sweeping Church changes.
Brisbane’s Vicar for Religious, Ursuline Sister Mel Williams said the facilitated meeting was requested by Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge – one of many consultations and discussions expected to take place across the archdiocese after Pope Francis last month formally opened a two-year process called “a synod on synodality,” officially known as Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church.
Bishops around the world will consult with everyone from parishioners to religious, and across Church agencies and institutions such as Catholic universities before coming together for a discussion in 2023.
Sr Williams said the group of about 20 women, representing religious communities, were asked to respond to the questions “How do we live synodality?” and “How might this lived experience ‘speak’ to the wider Church and human family?”
“We’ve lived synodality all our lives,” she said.
“We’ve had to walk with each other because of our common purpose in our religious communities and we’ve come together in order to reflect on what it has meant for us and what insights we may be able to offer to the wider Church.”
Consultant Michael Kearney, who facilitated the meeting, said the religious women offered “powerful insights”.
“What they came up with was quite extraordinary,” he said, adding that similar consultations were being held in dioceses across Australia as part of the “first phase” of listening towards Synod 2021-2023.
Responses will be submitted to Catholic Religious Australia, collated, and forwarded to Rome.
“I think there will be more conversations on themes as time goes on,” Mr Kearney said.
Sr Williams said she was “very appreciative of what Pope Francis has done and the new direction he is leading the Church”.
Another question posed to the religious women during the consultation: “If I could have a conversation with Pope Francis today, what might I tell him that I would like to change in the Church?”
“Equality – we want men and women working together,” Sr Wiliams said.
“And we want clerics and the laity (and religious are part of the laity) all working together.
“The role of the priest – it’s an impossible role.
“We are really keen about combatting clericalism because it has led us (the Church) into a lot of difficulties.
“And we would love to review the sacramental process, mindful of the people who are excluded from sacraments,” Sr Williams said, referring to Catholics who have divorced and remarried.
“Of course the Pope has spoken about this and he’s waiting for the grassroots to give him some clues.”
The religious also suggested reform of seminary training, greater inclusivity for LGBTI people, and simpler vestments.
