The Vatican may have come out swinging against the German Synodal Path, claiming the movement - designed to give lay members a say in running the Church - lacks the authority to instruct bishops on doctrine or morality, and warned of the dangers of schism, but the Path may have just got a huge shot in the arm after data revealed most German Catholics reject the Church’s stance on abortion.
The Synodal Path is a series of conferences of the German Catholic Church established to discuss theological and organisational questions. It is divided into forums on separation of powers; life in succeeding relationships (living love in sexuality and partnership); priestly existence, and the role of women. A majority at a conference in February endorsed women’s ordination, the public blessing of same sex partnerships, the reformation of teachings on sexual ethics, and allowing married priests.
