ACP Statement: 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. So now one of the main requests from the synodal process around the world has been taken out of the synod and dismissed by those who hold power, by those who have a vested interest in the status quo. 

Two study groups have already reported to Pope Francis on the issue of women’s ordination. Neither report has been published. Could it be that the arguments listed in those reports against ordination – if that were so  – were unconvincing and that silence was deemed a more credible excuse for subverting change? Isn’t transparency a necessary constituent of synodality?

All the language about discernment and listening does not hide the fact that this move undermines the whole process. The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) is extremely disappointed by this decision, and can understand why so many people are losing faith in synodality as it is being practiced in Rome. Women must not be patronised by promises of other roles.

Association of Catholic Priests