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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City's Catholic bishop urged patience in the wake of discussions about the Catholic Church's ministry to divorcees, cohabitating couples and gay people.
“I think it’s important not to jump to any conclusions at this point. We’re certainly a long way away from Pope Francis’ final exhortation that will come out of all of this, so we just have to, I think, not get too eager or whatever one way or the other," said The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Vatican officials released an initial translation of discussions among the pope and 185 bishops from regions around the world Monday, about issues facing the church and its adherents. The translation showed that in this meeting, known as an Extraordinary Synod, they discussed the possibility of divorced or remarried Catholics receiving Communion, as well as how to work with people who are gay or living together before marriage — without compromising Catholic teaching on marriage.
So far, to my knowledge there's no change of doctrine. But there has been a change of tone I would say. Kind of an outreach saying, you know, we want to listen to people, we want to support people, we want to journey with people as they face the different challenges of life.
–The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
It is important to remember that this year's synod does not mark a change in terms of church doctrine, Bishop Wester said.
"So far, to my knowledge there’s no change of doctrine. But there has been a change of tone I would say. Kind of an outreach saying, you know, we want to listen to people, we want to support people, we want to journey with people as they face the different challenges of life,” he said.
As the report reads: "These are not decisions that have been made nor simply points of view. All the same the collegial path of the bishops and the involvement of all God’s people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will lead us to find roads of truth and mercy for all."
The initial document addresses families that have been "damaged" by separation and divorce and encourages leaders to listen to them "with respect and love."
In terms of cohabiting couples, the document acknowledged that some do so by making a "choice inspired by general attitude, which is opposed to institutions and definitive undertakings," while others do so "while waiting for a secure existence (a steady job and income)."
Any in this situation should be "dealt with in a constructive manner, seeking to transform them into opportunities to walk towards the fullness of marriage and the family in the light of the Gospel," it read.
The language in the release marks a shift from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which asks for "respect, compassion and sensitivity" to those who are gay while also calling them "objectively disordered," according to the Catholic News Service.
It says that "homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community" and asks, "Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?"
The bishops further discussed whether the church would be able to offer gay people a "welcoming home … accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on family and matrimony," according to the release.
Wester said that Pope Francis is trying to "remind people, parents, children, families, that Christ is there in the midst of the family, that Christ is there at the center of the family."
Through these discussions, leaders in the Catholic Church are working to stay true to its teachings while helping those in their ministry feel loved.
"How are we able to help people and to support people … and at the same time make sure that we honor the sacredness of marriage? Marriage is a sacrament in this Catholic Church, and so how do we make sure that we don’t in any way detract from the beauty of marriage, the sacredness of marriage, and at the same time help people move forward in their lives?” Bishop Wester said.
So far, any actual resolutions appear to be in question.
“It’s not always an easy process. It can even be messy sometimes and sometimes it can get a little contentious perhaps as people express their views, but that’s … how the Holy Spirit works," Wester said.
Two types of synods occur in the Catholic Church. Ordinary synods are held regularly, and Extraordinary synods are held to address important subjects.
Pope Francis alluded to a possible gathering in July 2013 when he said he wanted to investigate a "somewhat deeper pastoral care of marriage" which would include whether divorced or remarried Catholics can take communion, according to news.va, the Vatican's official news network.
Pope Francis commissioned the Extraordinary synod, held between Oct. 5 and 19, to address challenges families confront in their faith and spreading the gospel. In addition to the pope and bishops, delegates, experts, auditors and couples will provide input, according to news.va. A revised document will be released near the end of the discussions this year. Conclusions from the synod will help shape discussions bishops have in their communities over the next year and will shape the topics for the Ordinary synod in 2015.
Following the Ordinary synod in 2015, bishops will give recommendations to Pope Francis who will consider them and then counsel the worldwide church.
For a short video explaining synods, visit news.va/en/sites/synod2014.
