Vatican’s Synod Report Disappoints Catholic Progressives

The Vatican released their 42-page synod report after adjourning on Saturday, October 28, 2023 and to the disappointment of pro-LGBTQ+ Catholic organizations, mention of LGBTQ+ Catholics was few and far between. The Vatican gathered to discuss major and far-reaching changes within the Catholic Church, including the possibility of opening up to women being ordained as deacons.

Many progressive Catholics assumed because of this, LGBTQ+ issues would also be addressed at length, especially as Pope Francis had voiced support for LGBTQ+ issues in the weeks leading up to the synod, including being open to blessing same-sex marriages.

The report only spoke of issues of gender and sexuality in passing, saying “matters of gender identity and sexual orientation” are topics requiring further study and mentioned that “people who feel marginalized or excluded from the Church because of their marriage status, identity or sexuality, also ask to be heard and accompanied”, as reported by WSJ.

Several Catholic progressives have spoken out about the Vatican’s lack of address on these issues. “There were many frank and open discussions about LGBTQ issues in the Synod, and certainly great differences among some of the members. So I’m disappointed that LGBTQ Catholics were not mentioned” says synod member Reverend James Martin, who met with Pope Francis before the synod as reported by WSJ. 

WSJ reports that New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics, released a statement saying the report “disappoints by simply reaffirming the hierarchy’s status quo.” Pope Francis had met with co-founder Sister Jeannine Gramick earlier in October: yet another reason why it was assumed the topic of LGBTQ+ Catholics would be discussed at greater depth in the synod. 

Advocates and supporters have been told that stronger suggestions will be made to Pope Francis during the October 2024 synod and that advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics would be able to voice their concerns at such time.