The Vatican is coming closer to finalizing its viewpoints on an array of topics, including women in leadership, homosexuality and polygamy.
According to Vatican News, the Synod’s study groups have been working on their reports on various topics, with their final drafts to be submitted to Pope Leo XIV by Dec. 31. From discussing the discrepancies between Latin and Eastern Catholic Churches to the role of women in the Catholic Church, the Synod plans to leave no stone unturned.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
In the interim report regarding women in leadership and ministry, the Synod explained its study process and how it consulted with women for this work, writing, “… the Dicastery has actively invited the contributions of numerous women who are already significantly involved in the mission and leadership of the Church.”
This part of the report is also expected to cover the topics of “Significant female figures in the history of the Church, personal accounts from women currently engaged in Church leadership…[and] Critical tensions regarding clericalism and male chauvinism.”
On the topic of polygamy, the Synod focused significantly on the Catholic churches in Africa who are dealing with polygamous marriages, hoping to help them “promote theological and pastoral discernment regarding polygamy and to accompany persons in polygamous unions who are coming to faith.”
Part of the process of examining this topic for the Synod included listening and engaging with those who wanted to know more about what they do in these scenarios, asking the question: “What pastoral care is appropriate for those found in polygamous relationships according to the Gospel?”
When it comes to homosexuality, the Synod listed this as an “emerging issue,” noting that in this section of the report, they will not “provide solutions that apply to all cases.”
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
As the Vatican and Leo continue to delve into these topics, we will see which direction the Catholic Church will take. Will the Pope uphold biblical principles on these hot-button issues, or will he follow in the ways of the world? We will have to wait and see.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
