The two week Synod is halfway through. For a week now, bishops, families and the Pope himself have discussed some of the challenges faced by modern day families and what the Church can do to help.

FAMILY

Cardinal Peter Erd , issued a midterm report to summarize the discussion list. He stated that despite the hardships faced by families, there is still much to be hopeful for.

CARD. PETER  ERDÖ

Archbishop Esztergom-Budapest (Hungary)

“Despite all the signs of families in crisis around the world, the will to have a family is still alive, especially among the youth. This highlights the need for the Church to constantly spread the message of the Gospel and the Family.”

via Midterm Report: 7 key Points of the Synod on the Family.

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In light of all the hoopla over the midterm report for the synod I thought this would be helpful from Fr. Barron …

The midterm report on the deliberations of the Synod on the Family has appeared and there is a fair amount of hysteria all around. John Thavis, a veteran Vatican reporter who should know better, has declared this statement “an earthquake, the big one that hit after months of smaller tremors.” Certain  commentators on the right have been wringing their hands and bewailing a deep betrayal of the Church’s teaching. One even opined that this report is the “silliest document ever issued by the Catholic Church,” and some have said that the interim document flaunts the teaching of St. John Paul II. Meanwhile the New York Times confidently announced that the Church has moved from “condemnation of unconventional family situations and toward understanding, openness, and mercy.” I think everyone should take a deep breath.

via Having Patience for the Sausage-Making Synod | Word On Fire.

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For many, the midterm report on the Synod came as a big surprise. Especially the wording used when referring to homosexuality. Some bishops expressed concern, fearing that the language left a lot of room for confusion.

CARD. WILFRID NAPIER

Archbishop of Durban, South Africa

“In some ways, is the misinterpretation reflecting what people would like to see happening rather than what is happening or is going to happen.”

Some bishops claim the description doesn’t fully reflect what’s been discussed in the debates.

via The Synod’s Report and Homosexuality: It’s a work in progress that doesn’t change Church Doctrine.

The post The Synod’s Report and Homosexuality: It’s a work in progress that doesn’t change Church Doctrine first appeared on AirMaria.com.

CARD. LLUIS MARTINEZ SISTACH

Archbishop of Barcelona (Spain)

“Yes, I would say that as a whole, the document has been recieved. But having said that, without a doubt there have been changes. In virtually every chapter, ammendments have been made.”

The confusion was triggered on Monday, when statements made about homosexuality and co habitating couples were released in the document.

via Synod’s Midterm Report: Modifications have been made to the wording of document.

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