VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
YEAR XXII - # 177
DATE 14-10-2014

Summary:
- Declaration of the director of the Holy See Press Office on behalf of the
General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops
- Debate of the Synod Fathers following the post-discussion Report

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 Declaration of the director of the Holy See Press Office on behalf of the
General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops
 Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) - The General Secretariat of the Synod, in response
to reactions and discussions following the publication of the Relatio post
disceptationem, and the fact that often a value has been attributed to the
document that does not correspond to its nature, reiterates that it is a
working document, which summarises the interventions and debate of the first
week, and is now being offered for discussion by the members of the Synod
gathered in the Small Groups, in accordance with the Regulations of the Synod.
 The work of the Small Groups will be presented to the Assembly in the General
Congregation next Thursday morning.

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 Debate of the Synod Fathers following the post-discussion Report
 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.

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