The WAC Press Conference: A Summary Report

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Susan K. Roll

Here is a summary report on the Zoom press conference organized by We Are Church International, and moderated by Colm Holmes of WOW and WAC-Ireland:
 
Six invited panelists presented perspectives on the Synod and the situation of Catholics today in their home countries.  Philomena Mwaura (Kenya) spoke about the fact that references to baptismal equality in the official teaching only make sense if the laity are fully involved in active participation, not simply going to church on Sunday.  Kevin Liston (Australia) calls the synod a significant move forward, but one which misses many opportunities to address serious issues.  Discussions are still confined to “insiders.”  Kevin hopes for “a more kindly, gentle, listening church,” though his expectations are low.
 
WOC’s Kate McElwee calls it essential that women participate fully in the church, and names three main themes from the listening sessions held by WOC: 1) hope, 2) “holy grumbling,” and 3) hierarchy.  Her focus here is holy grumbling, and the perception that officially there is no room for women deacons, made clear by the fact that such discussion has been moved to secretive study groups.  This shows that there is no intention to ordain women and, contrary to the fine language about letting the question “mature,” in fact, in Kate’s words, the intention is to “let women’s vocations rot on the vine.”  
 
Lula Rodriguez from South America calls for a resumption of the values and principles of Vatican II, now with the 60th anniversary of the closing of the Council coming up in 2025.  He names the importance of democracy in Latin America today, in contrast to a church hierarchy that “leaves no space for the laity.”
 
Virginia Saldhana (India) spoke in direct and clear language: “women have little or no hope in this synod.”  Women theologians in India are very aware that the church has moved backwards since the time of Vatican II, when John XXIII wrote eloquently that women would no longer tolerate being mere instruments, but expect human dignity.
 
Martin Schockenhaus from WAC Germany reported that, while reform groups in Europe were disappointed that key issues had been taken off the table at the Synod and shifted to study groups, they have no intention of giving up.  He concedes there is “no reason for exaggerated hope.”
 
At this point the proceedings were opened up for questions, and the recording turned off.  One key question was simply, where do we go from here?  and a key response was, we implement what we know to be the mission of Jesus, through the Spirit in us.
 
One participant from Ireland gave a disturbing account of the recent investigations concerning physical abuse of children in Catholic schools in Ireland going back at least to the 1960’s.  This issue is distinct from that of specifically sexual abuse of children.  What could be termed the hypocrisy of the penitential service that opened the official Synod proceedings on Tuesday evening, was the message that “we’re all in this together” — in reality we are *not* all in this together.  And so many have walked out of the church.
 
At the United Nations the Vatican has actively worked to block any language around gender in U.N. statements and policies: there are references on the WOC’s website.
 
The countries of Latin America that pioneered Basic Christian Communities five decades ago have seen a shift toward parishes.  Then the concern was focused on a widespread lack of the basic necessities of life.  Now it has to do with the displacement of Indigenous peoples and damage to the land they cared for.
 
Finally, in Germany where the “Synodaler Weg” first took shape as a dialogue forum of bishops, clergy and laity, many of the bishops are amenable to reform initiatives but feel hindered by Rome.  The laity should encourage bishops to share their authority, and to be “bold.”