The Times reported on Tuesdaythat “the majority of female Catholics want radical reforms to the Church and think the Vatican should be more tolerant of divorce and diversity, according to a worldwide study of worshippers".
The Australian-led study, which is due to be presented at the Vatican on Wednesday, was initiated by Catholic Women Speak, an international organisation, in response to the Pope’s invitation for submissions to the Synod of Bishops.
The survey found that 84 per cent of women supported reform in the church and 67 per cent wanted radical reform. Almost 33 per cent said they were prepared to abandon the Church if it did not change. There was deep concern about abuses of power and spiritual harm, particularly by male clerics.
