Church has no room for lobby groups

Aug 09, 2024

In recent discussions about the role of women in the Church, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg has sparked a significant conversation by emphasising the need for sincere dialogue over lobbying. As a central figure in organising Pope Francis’ Synod of Bishops on Synodality, Hollerich’s remarks offer a thought-provoking perspective on how the Church should approach the complex and often contentious issue of women’s involvement in leadership and governance.

Cardinal Hollerich’s stance is clear - the Church should not be a place for lobbying groups pushing for specific agendas. Instead, he advocates for an approach rooted in prayer, open discussion, and genuine listening. “Lobbying is not part of church culture; it should not be,” he asserts. His call for dialogue underscores a deeper understanding that the issues surrounding women’s roles in the Church are multifaceted and require a nuanced approach.

The question of women’s participation in Church leadership - particularly the possibility of women serving as deacons or priests - has been one of the most heated topics within the Synod on Synodality. This multi-year process, which began in 2021, has seen extensive debate and consultation at various levels. During the initial Rome-based meetings, discussions on women and LGBTQ+ inclusion were among the most emotionally charged.

As the Synod prepares for its second Rome-based session from October 2-27, the preparatory working document has notably excluded these contentious issues, entrusting them to specialised working groups for further exploration. This decision reflects the difficulty in achieving consensus on such divisive topics. One of these working groups, comprising members from the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, will examine theological and canonical questions related to women’s ministries. However, details about their findings remain undisclosed.

Cardinal Hollerich, while acknowledging the significance of these discussions, emphasises that changes in Church practice regarding women’s roles cannot be implemented in isolation. He notes the disparity in how these issues are perceived across different continents. In Western Europe, there is strong advocacy for women’s access to ordained ministries, while other regions may not share this urgency. Hollerich warns that implementing changes solely based on one region’s perspective could lead to division within the global Church. “This is not a change the Church can do easily, and it’s not a change that can be done just in one part of the world; it would tear the Church apart,” he cautions.

Rather than pushing for predetermined outcomes, Hollerich suggests that the Church’s path forward must involve an “open dialogue” that seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He envisions a process where different viewpoints are heard and considered, leading to a deeper understanding of how women can fully participate in Church life and decision-making without necessarily seeking ordination. “Perhaps in that dialogue women will say, ‘oh but, yes, I understand, I want to fully participate, and also participate in decision-making, but perhaps I do not need to be a priest for that,’” he proposes.

Despite the polarised nature of current ecclesial debates, Hollerich remains optimistic about the potential for constructive dialogue. He observes that the Synod has been characterised by a commitment to real conversation, even amidst differing viewpoints. “In the Synod, of course you have people at the right, people at the left, and so on, but people committed to real dialogue also through the methodology of conversation in the spirit,” he explains.

Hollerich’s reflections come against the backdrop of an annual pilgrimage for altar servers in Rome, which he recently attended. During this event, the issue of women’s roles did not specifically arise, but he acknowledged its importance for many young people. Hollerich emphasises the necessity of listening to these voices, stating, “For me, it’s important to listen to them.” He underscores that the Church must remain open to evolving perspectives, particularly in response to the younger generation’s insights.

Cardinal Hollerich’s call for dialogue over lobbying presents a valuable approach to addressing the issue of women in the Church. His perspective encourages a thoughtful and inclusive process that respects the diverse views within the global Church. As the Synod continues, Hollerich’s emphasis on prayer, discussion, and mutual listening offers a pathway for navigating complex issues while striving to maintain the unity and integrity of the Church. — Crux