Discerning Deacons co-directors Ellie Hidalgo and Casey Stanton told NCR they would like to see proposals about women’s participation emerge from the October meetings, especially since the topic surfaced in listening sessions around the world.

By Heidi Schlumpf, National Catholic Reporter

“Advocates for women’s ordination — to the diaconate, the priesthood or both — say they are hopeful about the upcoming synod in Rome, despite some high-profile opposition to the possibility of expanded leadership opportunities for women in the church.”Advocates for women’s ordination — to the diaconate, the priesthood or both — say they are hopeful about the upcoming synod in Rome, despite some high-profile opposition to the possibility of expanded leadership opportunities for women in the church.

While they would like to see concrete proposals that increase women’s participation, those who spoke to NCR said they are also excited about the process of synodality itself and believe the Oct. 4-29 series of meetings will surface fruitful conversation and dialogue.

“My hope is in the commitment of all of us to be a synodal people,” said JoAnn Melina Lopez, director of faith formation at St. Basil Parish in Toronto, who will travel to Rome for a Sept. 30 ecumenical prayer vigil ahead of the synod. She will be part of a 17-member delegation of young adults affiliated with Discerning Deacons, a group that advocates for the restoration of women to the diaconate in the Catholic Church.

Documents summarizing two years of listening sessions in advance of the October series of meetings have included previously taboo topics, including women’s ordination, LGBTQ relationships, married priests and clergy sex abuse. In addition, for the first time in history, lay men and women will be included as full voting members of the synod.

By Heidi Schlumpf, National Catholic Reporter — Read more …