People’s Catholic Seminary’s Response to the Synthesis Report of SYNOD October 2023 A SYNODAL CHURCH IN MISSION A Journey to Spiritual Transformation, Empowerment and Equity

Introduction

The People’s Catholic Seminary (PCS) enthusiastically embraced the invitation to participate in the 2023 Synodal Assembly.  With the ability to gather representatives from emergent Church communities who support the women priest movement, Zoom technology was used in PCS forums during January, February, March, and April 2024.  In the spirit of ‘conversation’ an open global invitation was extended to engage in dialogue so that interested women and men could participate in sacred listening.  Representatives from communities across the USA, Canada, Europe, and South America reviewed and discussed the findings reported in the October 2023 synthesis report as co-equal and co-responsible people of God.  The PCS forums offered an opportunity to hear the voices who are currently living into an evolving Church that was initiated following Vatican II.  As a contribution to the current historical synodal process, deeper understanding of the issues and possibilities surfaced among participants offering additional insights amidst current lived experience over the past 22 years.  It is our hope to participate in the implementation of a renewed vision of  Church.

Ambitious Proceedings

The current unfolding reveals a deep respectful and reflective inquiry in the search for a path forward. As Jesus welcomed everyone, both marginalized and excluded, the women priest movement has opened the liturgical conversation in the same inclusive way.  In seminary tradition PCS provides support that exemplifies Section 9 of the Synthesis Report entitled ‘Women in the Life and Mission of the Church’.  

A new model for priesthood was born in Christ, one that surpassed the limitations set in the Old Testament and centuries of patriarchy that was the dominant thinking in the ancient Mediterranean world.  The synod has provided an opportunity to challenge the entrenched mindset that influenced sociocultural norms of interaction.  Changes in canon law that govern pastoral structures could reflect the belief that every baptized Christian be co-responsible by sharing in Christ’s priesthood.  Historic evidence supports decades of scholarly and theological research, yet in initial consultations the synodal debate settled on a perplexing proposal for deeper study and additional research to determine a means for women to enter the diaconate – not the priesthood.

What is glaringly missing in the synodal conversation is an inquiry into the history of a devastatingly painful and divisive teaching which claims that women are truly equal in Christ, yet are prohibited by Canon law from ordained ministry. Those who believe in the women priest movement are not waiting for permission any longer and are following their ‘Primacy of Conscience’ enshrined in our Roman Catholic tradition. The result is a new paradigm of pastoral service.

The Present:  Evolving Priestly Ministry

People’s Catholic Seminary provides opportunities in emergent communities to nurture Christ-like prophetic action since its inception in 2017.  As a support partner for the evolving women priest movement, many lessons have been learned and the Synod is invited to consider this model of contemporary theological education.  Inspired by Jesus’ example of inclusivity, the participants in the PCS forum echoed their courageous commitment to service in a new model of ordained ministry. Personal sharing of ministries also occurred during the PCS forum series based on the book Women Called to Catholic Priesthood:  From Ecclesial Challenge to Spiritual Renewal by theological scholars Sharon Callahan and Jeanette Rodriquez.

  Since 2002, Roman Catholic Women Priests in apostolic succession have offered liturgical rites and have provided sacraments in inclusive communities where all are welcome especially those who have been excluded.  Women priests have embraced social justice principles that underpin the movement by working with the marginalized in many different settings including homeless encampments.  They offer comfort and support to the immigrants, the sick, the aged, the downtrodden, and the brain injured.  They engage in interfaith dialogue to build bridges across divisive differences. Modern-day Catholic women priests do not walk alone so they have taken on the challenge to advance the teachings of Jesus Christ by promoting a circular model of consensus building.  Guided by the same synodal theme, that ‘Church is Mission’, all are considered equal and welcomed as “One in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).  Leadership surfaces within intentionally designed pastoral circles that reflect a flatter power structure.  This key ‘inclusive’ variable challenges the status quo of power and privilege.  

Moving Forward into the Future:

Transformational empowerment is grounded in relationships, and it is the power of love that will bring us into the wholeness of life.  Building on the understanding of past generations to meet the needs of the 21^st century necessitates exposing injustice so that inner sacredness and personal responsibility can be fully expressed.  The Synod of 2024 has the difficult task to consider how exclusionary doctrine in its many forms and the denial of equal representation by all genders in ordained ministries reflects injustice as unloving acts.  It is the unanimous position of those who participated in the PCS forums that the unjust decree of excommunication of women priests must be rescinded, and the pain and harm caused be acknowledged.

In John 7:37, Jesus was moved to describe his presence to followers by citing Old Testament psalms and the prophet Zechariah 14:8, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living waters.’  The Heart of Love, the oneness of the cosmos, all people, all creation, all our calls, all our chosen services and ministries are the living water, the presence of the universal Christ.

  It is a new time of birthing forth new life in our Church. This is the inclusive loving image that the women priest movement has set forth in their ministries in the emerging church.

Read full report here: https://pcseminaryforum.blogspot.com/2024/05/fostering-empowered-transformational.html