Synod of Bishops: October 10 roundup

October 13, 2014

The ninth and tenth general congregations (sessions) of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family took place on October 10.

Preaching at Terce (Midmorning Prayer) during the ninth general congregation, Bishop Arnold Orowae of Wabag, Papua New Guinea, said that families find joy in turning to the Gospel and expressed the hope that families become joyful evangelizers.

During the ninth general congregation, the synod fathers heard from 15 lay auditors—that is, non-voting observers. “The interventions focused on the need to adequately and permanently prepare priests in relation to themes regarding the family, especially in relation to openness to life, so that they are able to explain and speak naturally and clearly about conjugal love,” according to the summary from the Holy See Press Office. “It was also noted that if natural family planning is explained in depth, highlighting its positive worth, it can strengthen the life of the couple.”

The auditors touched on a variety of other topics, from families in Iraq to “the protection of the rights of the family and the defense of life.” The press office’s summary of the auditors’ remarks had no reference to homosexuality, annulments, or Holy Communion for the remarried.

During the tenth general congregation, the synod fathers heard from the fraternal delegates-- that is, the representatives of non-Catholic ecclesial communities. According to the Holy See Press Office’s summary:

Overall, it was underlined that the challenges and hopes attached to the family unit are common to all Christians: the family, it was said, is fundamental for society, it is the foundation of communion in justice. Certainly, there is no lack of difficulties: the economic crisis is pressing, the mass media reduce moments of dialogue between domestic walls, at times even proposing models that lead to adultery, and factors such as wars, migrations, globalization, the drama of diseases such as Aids and Ebola, and the Islamic fundamentalism present in some countries continually place the good of the family at risk in every context.

Common to all Christians is the need for adequate preparation for marriage and appropriate reflection on marriage between believers and non-believers. With regard to divorced and remarried persons, it was said that their acceptance in the Church may give new hope, promoting a more serene family life and thus creating a richer society. Therefore, on the part of all Christian confessions, it is essential to listen to those who find themselves in difficult family situations, who are in need of mercy and compassion every day, as the Church wishes always to help those who suffer, looking both at the Sacred Scriptures and at the problems of contemporary life.

The wish was expressed for listening and comprehension, far from any form of condemnation, in relation to homosexual persons, while emphasizing that marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

According to the Holy See Press Office, Eastern Orthodox delegates emphasized that second marriages are a “deviation”:

Some differences in approach were encountered, for example on the theme of birth control, underlining the freedom of conscience of believers, while always respecting the meaning of love and marriage. Furthermore, in relation to second marriages, it was said by the Orthodox delegates that these in any case constitute a deviation and while they are celebrated, it is after a period of accompaniment on the part of the Church in an attempt to bring married couples towards reconciliation.

In addition, the synod fathers drafted a four-paragraph message to families who suffer as a result of conflicts.

 

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Further information:

• Synod14 - 9a Congregazione generale: Omelia di S.E. Mons. Arnold Orowae, Vescovo di Wabag (Papua Nuova Guinea) durante la preghiera dell’Ora Terza (Holy See Press Office)
• 9a Congregazione Generale: Sintesi non ufficiale degli interventi degli Uditori (Holy See Press Office)
• Synod14 - 10a Congregazione Generale: Sintesi non ufficiale degli interventi dei Delegati Fraterni (10 ottobre 2014, pomeriggio) (Holy See Press Office)
• Synod14 - Messaggio della III Assemblea Generale Straordinaria del Sinodo dei Vescovi per le famiglie che soffrono a causa dei conflitti (Holy See Press Office)
• Messaggio della III Assemblea Generale Straordinaria del Sinodo dei Vescovi per le famiglie che soffrono a causa dei conflitti (Holy See Press Office)
• Synod sends special message to families suffering because of war (CWN, 10/10)