‘A Synod to give hope’

The Archbishop of Mumbai, who represents Asia on the Council of Cardinals instituted by Pope Francis, comments on the Instrumentum laboris for the October Assembly, which was published a few days ago. “We must discuss how to give women their proper role, involving them more in the decision-making processes of the Church. Being inclusive, welcoming everyone, does not mean changing what the Gospel teaches.”

This week, the Instrumentum laboris was published, which will guide the second session of the Synodal Assembly in October, focusing on the question “How can we be a missionary synodal Church?” asked Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai, who represents the Churches of Asia in the C9, the Council of Cardinals instituted by Pope Francis to collaborate with him in the government of the Church.

Looking through the Instrumentum laboris that has just been published, I saw that it contains a large section on women. In October, at the Synod, we will discuss this issue at length. It is very clear that we must recognize the role that is due to women, there is no doubt about it. We will discuss how they can have a more important role in the Church, especially in decision-making processes.

However, when faced with a document like this, we must bear in mind that the Church is universal. Our situation in India, in Africa, in Europe is different. We must bear in mind the sensitivity of each person and also the pastoral needs of each person.

On the synodal journey we have spoken of an inclusive Church, that is, one capable of welcoming everyone. The Pope has been particularly concerned about the disabled, the marginalized and also people with a different sexual orientation. We do not reject them as people. The danger is that if we make a statement, some may interpret it as if the Church were changing its moral position just to be accepted by others. That is not the case. The Church is consistent. The Gospel is very clear about what our Lord wants. And the Pope is a man of profound faith and prayer, who is leading the Church in the direction desired by the Lord and the Holy Spirit.

This is why the document that has just been published is not a masterly pronouncement, but rather a provocation to reflection. In the autumn we will have four weeks of discussions on these themes. We will present to the Holy Father the conclusions of all: the reflections of the bishops, but also of the laity, of the religious, of the parish priests… Then it will be the Holy Father, with his advisors and consultants, who will draw his conclusions.

This Synod is going very well. I have just returned from Rome, I had a meeting with the Synodal Council, as well as with the Pope, and I discussed the programme with them. I think that we will give hope and link the Synod to the Jubilee Year of 2025. The Holy Year should serve to give hope to people, to give thanks to God and to plan for the future. The Synod will also give hope to people, plan for the future and thank God for all the good received.

* Archbishop of Mumbai

with the collaboration of Nirmala Carvalho