Women’s Synod: Continuing the Journey Towards an Ecclesia of Justice and Equality

Taking part in the Women’s Synod held in Montreal on October 13 and 14, Sr. Claudette Bastien was impressed by the quality of the interventions and the relevance of what she heard. Approximately a hundred people, from all walks of life, gathered to discuss the theme of this synod, Living Equality Today, held in parallel with the bishops’ synod in Rome.

The panels and talking circles during the Women’s Synod gave rise to many constructive exchanges. Among the messages repeated was the “desire to have egalitarian relationships and to be able to take part in decision-making bodies”, mentions Sr. Claudette. If in many writings, including those of Pope Francis, there is much talk of respect for the dignity of persons, Sr. Claudette reiterates “that dignity does not mean equality.” 

The interview with Catherine Clifford, theologian at St. Paul’s University and voting participant in the Roman Synod, was a highlight (see article in Présence Info) in many respects, not least “the hope in her words”, says Denise Couture, theologian and member of the feminist collective L’autre Parole. During her talk, Ms. Clifford made clear the importance of a change of attitude and even a certain openness to the diaconate for women, thus provoking a few surprises in the audience.

Strong and stimulating words

Organized jointly by Femmes et Ministères and L’autre Parole, the women’s synod held in Montreal aimed to “experience a parallel synod based on the principles of equality, justice and participation for all.  According to Denise Couture, this goal was achieved, not least through the diversity and richness of what was said. This was the case in the first panel, which presented various forms of equal discipleship that already exist, but are not very visible or well known.

According to Denise Couture, the testimonies of the young people on the second panel were deeply moving for the participants. “You had to hear several young people talk about their isolation in Church, their attempts to find ways to live out a group spirituality, and their distancing themselves from the institutional Church. One said that the Church is toxic and dangerous, so she avoids taking her three-year-old daughter there. It was moving.”

The international panel of women theologians was another highlight for the university theologian. “These women showed the injustice experienced in the Church at present and the possibilities of various actions to overcome this injustice. In my opinion, their words were powerful and relevant.”

Well-identified strategies

The significance of this Women’s Synod is that it has “clarified who we are and where we’re going.” And above all for having identified the four strategies that are currently in use and needed. “We need to reiterate that we need these strategies, and re-express the solidarity between us.”

These four strategies are based on the following elements:

• An approach to demanding gender equality in all Church ministries supported by the Women and Ministries group.
• The approach put forward by the collective L’autre Parole consists in creating and building alternative communities of equal disciples.
• Another strategy encourages action now, even if it means suffering the consequences. This is the case of a group of 300 Catholic women priests around the world.
• The other strategy focuses on denouncing discrimination against the Church by civil law.
• For Denise Couture, “different strategies are necessary, and people can adopt several at the same time.” This is the case, she says, of women religious “who are both in the institution and free to build communities of equal discipleship, justice and equality. They do both at the same time.”

Acting in solidarity

The Women’s Synod is part of the worldwide movement launched by the Catholic Women’s Council (CWC) throughout the Roman Synod process. During this second stage, a number of groups have taken various actions in support of the theme of the movement. The PDF file contains a list of links to groups and details of some of the campaign’s activities.

In closing, a second event is scheduled for December 8 in Quebec City. It is in keeping with this spirit of nurturing multiple solidarities, in this case with social feminists. The colloquium, entitled Femmes et gouvernance : des rapports à changer entre l’État et l’Église? (Women and Governance: Changes to be made in the relationship between the State and the Church), will look at the question of patriarchy in the Church.

Photos credit: Ms. Jo-Ann Lévesque