With unprecedented transparency, the Pope called for the Synod's midterm report to be openly distributed. It includes a full list and the votes on the proposals being considered.
The document is the edited and approved version of the midterm report presented by Cardinal Erdo, which had 470 proposals. As of now though, the votes don't have any weight as far as implementation.
All the items had the support of the majority. Three items however, lacked the two thirds majority vote of bishops.
They include proposals dealing with divorced and re-married couples, and whether they should be allowed to receive Communion. Also the type of pastoral care homosexuals should receive. The votes don't necessarily mean bishops disagree with the cause, but rather the wording presented in the proposal. Others don't see the need discuss the items at all.
FR. THOMAS ROSICA
Vatican Spokesperson
'Keep in mind that this is not a magisterial document, this is not a disciplinary document. The Pope asked this to be available to people to show the degree of consensus that has taken place.â?
The report issued on Saturday will be used as a point of reference for further discussions in the second phase of the synod, which will take place next year, from October 4th to the 25.
JMB/KLH
RR
FA
- BN
Up: JMB
