Tony Flannery

Association of Catholic Priests

ACP Disappointed Over Women’s Issues in the Synod

8 October 2024

The equality of women, and in particular calls for their ordination to the diaconate, has been one of the biggest issues to emerge in the synodal process around the world. Disappointingly, Pope Francis removed this, and other issues, from the current synodal meeting, asking committees to study them further and report to him in 2025. 

Cardinal Fernandez, who chaired the committee on women deacons, has stated that there is currently no basis for ordaining women.

The Czech theologian, Tomas Halik, was recently asked to give a talk to a working meeting of the European delegates to the October Synod. It was, in my view, a most radical and profound talk. Here I wish to highlight what really stood out for me.

He begins by giving an outline of the breadth of the Synodal project, not just to the Church but to the whole world.

Synodality is not just to improve communication within the Church, but with the Church and the whole human family.

The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, has been criticised for permitting a group that is openly critical of Pope Francis to speak in his diocese.

The team behind Catholic Unscripted, Gavin Ashenden, Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert, are due to give “a weekend of talks, conversations, reflections, prayers and fellowship” in October at the diocese-owned Glencomeragh House in Co Waterford.

The group regularly criticises Pope Francis and recently claimed he has “deserted Jesus”.