SUMMARY:
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Declaration of the director of the Holy See Press Office on behalf of
the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops
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Debate of the Synod Fathers following the post-discussion Report
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Declaration
of the director of the Holy See Press Office on behalf of the General
Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops
Vatican
City, 2014 (VIS) – The General Secretariat of the Synod, in
response to reactions and discussions following the publication of
the Relatio post disceptationem, and the fact that often a value has
been attributed to the document that does not correspond to its
nature, reiterates that it is a working document, which summarises
the interventions and debate of the first week, and is now being
offered for discussion by the members of the Synod gathered in the
Small Groups, in accordance with the Regulations of the Synod.
The
work of the Small Groups will be presented to the Assembly in the
General Congregation next Thursday morning.
Debate
of the Synod Fathers following the post-discussion Report
Vatican
City, 2014 (VIS) – During the eleventh General Congregation the
“Relatio post disceptationem” was read by the General Rapporteur,
Cardinal Peter Erdo.
Immediately
after, there followed a period of free discussion among the Synod
Fathers. In general, the “Relatio post disceptationem” was
appreciated for its capacity to photograph well the interventions
that have been offered during this last week, capturing the spirit of
the Assembly and highlighting acceptance and welcome as the principle
theme of the works. The document, it was said, reveals the Church’s
love for the family faithful to Christ, but also her capacity to be
close to humanity in every moment of life, to understand that, behind
the pastoral challenges, there are many people who suffer. The Synod,
it was emphasised, should have the watchful gaze of the shepherd who
devotes his life to his sheep, without a priori judgement.
Furthermore,
to allow this Report to bring together various points of view to
provide a basis for the work of the Small Groups, certain additional
reflections were suggested: for example, while the Church must
welcome those in difficulty, it would be useful to speak more widely
about those families who remain faithful to the teachings of the
Gospel, thanking them and encouraging them for the witness they
offer. From the Synod it emerged more clearly that indissoluble,
happy marriage, faithful for ever, is beautiful, possible and present
in society, therefore avoiding a near-exclusive focus on imperfect
family situations.
Other
reflections involved giving more emphasis to the theme of women,
their protection and their importance for the transmission of life
and faith; to include consideration of the figure of grandparents
within the family unit; more specific reference to the family as a
“domestic Church” and the parish as a “family of families”,
and to the Holy Family, an essential model for reference. In this
respect, it was also suggested that the family and missionary role in
proclaiming the Gospel in the world be further promoted.
It
is necessary to clarify and explore more deeply the theme of
“gradualness”, that may give rise to confusion. With regard to
access to the sacraments for divorced and remarried persons, for
instance, it was said that it is difficult to accept exceptions
unless in reality they become a common rule.
It
was also noted that the word “sin” is almost absent from the
Relatio. The prophetic tone of Jesus’ words was also mentioned, to
avoid the risk of conformity to the mentality of today’s world.
In
relation to homosexuals, moreover, the need for welcome was
highlighted, but with the just produced, so that the impression of a
positive evaluation of such a tendency on the part of the Church is
not created. The same care was advised with regard to cohabitation.
Other
insights regarded the need to emphasise the importance of the
sacrament of Baptism, essential for fully understanding the
sacramental nature of marriage and also its character as a “ministry”
in the announcement of the Gospel.
With
regard to procedures for the streamlining of cases of nullity, some
questions were raised regarding the proposal to entrust greater
competence to the diocesan bishop, which may prove to be too great a
burden, while the need for deeper and more detailed reflection was
indicated in relation to cases of polygamy – especially for those
who convert and wish to partake in the sacraments – and the spread
of pornography, especially on the internet, which poses a real risk
to family unity. Finally, in relation to openness to life on the part
of couples, it is necessary to face in more detail and more
decisively not only abortion, but also that of surrogacy.
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