Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) – During the
eleventh General Congregation the “Relatio post disceptationem”
was read by the General Rapporteur, Cardinal Peter Erdo.
Immediately after, there followed a
period of free discussion among the Synod Fathers. In general, the
“Relatio post disceptationem” was appreciated for its capacity to
photograph well the interventions that have been offered during this
last week, capturing the spirit of the Assembly and highlighting
acceptance and welcome as the principle theme of the works. The
document, it was said, reveals the Church’s love for the family
faithful to Christ, but also her capacity to be close to humanity in
every moment of life, to understand that, behind the pastoral
challenges, there are many people who suffer. The Synod, it was
emphasised, should have the watchful gaze of the shepherd who devotes
his life to his sheep, without a priori judgement.
Furthermore, to allow this Report to
bring together various points of view to provide a basis for the work
of the Small Groups, certain additional reflections were suggested:
for example, while the Church must welcome those in difficulty, it
would be useful to speak more widely about those families who remain
faithful to the teachings of the Gospel, thanking them and
encouraging them for the witness they offer. From the Synod it
emerged more clearly that indissoluble, happy marriage, faithful for
ever, is beautiful, possible and present in society, therefore
avoiding a near-exclusive focus on imperfect family situations.
Other reflections involved giving more
emphasis to the theme of women, their protection and their importance
for the transmission of life and faith; to include consideration of
the figure of grandparents within the family unit; more specific
reference to the family as a “domestic Church” and the parish as
a “family of families”, and to the Holy Family, an essential
model for reference. In this respect, it was also suggested that the
family and missionary role in proclaiming the Gospel in the world be
further promoted.
It is necessary to clarify and explore
more deeply the theme of “gradualness”, that may give rise to
confusion. With regard to access to the sacraments for divorced and
remarried persons, for instance, it was said that it is difficult to
accept exceptions unless in reality they become a common rule.
It was also noted that the word “sin”
is almost absent from the Relatio. The prophetic tone of Jesus’
words was also mentioned, to avoid the risk of conformity to the
mentality of today’s world.
In relation to homosexuals, moreover,
the need for welcome was highlighted, but with the just produced, so
that the impression of a positive evaluation of such a tendency on
the part of the Church is not created. The same care was advised with
regard to cohabitation.
Other insights regarded the need to
emphasise the importance of the sacrament of Baptism, essential for
fully understanding the sacramental nature of marriage and also its
character as a “ministry” in the announcement of the Gospel.
With regard to procedures for the
streamlining of cases of nullity, some questions were raised
regarding the proposal to entrust greater competence to the diocesan
bishop, which may prove to be too great a burden, while the need for
deeper and more detailed reflection was indicated in relation to
cases of polygamy – especially for those who convert and wish to
partake in the sacraments – and the spread of pornography,
especially on the internet, which poses a real risk to family unity.
Finally, in relation to openness to life on the part of couples, it
is necessary to face in more detail and more decisively not only
abortion, but also that of surrogacy.
