Catholic Church: To remake church power in Francis’ vision, synod calls for changes to canon law
CLAIRE GIANGRAVÉ, of Religion News Service, explains that while canon law already allows for the participation of lay Catholics, the role of bishops – and even the Pope – might require revisions to the code that runs the church…
Catholic Church: The Vatican’s ‘Synod on Synodality’ is about to begin. Here’s what to know.
The unprecedented gathering of 464 Catholic clergy and laypeople, including women, begins on 4th October at the Vatican. CLAIRE GIANGRAVÉ, of Religion News Service, looks at what to expect…
Vatican defends hasty rollout of revolutionary laity reform
Vatican CityAP Vatican officials on Monday defended the last-minute rollout of Pope Francis’ reform of the Holy See bureaucracy while also painting it as one of the most consequential moves of his pontificate since it recognises that any believer, male or female, can head a Vatican office. The new apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, or Proclaiming […]
Future planning: Looking for radical solutions to decline, Church of England debates lay-led house churches
CATHERINE PEPINSTER, writing for Religion News Service, reports on the push for change within the Church of England…
Pope creates lay ministry to boost supply of faith teachers
Rome, ItalyAP Pope Francis on Tuesday formally created a new lay ministry to encourage greater participation of secular women and men in the teaching of the Catholic faith, especially in places where priests are in short supply. The new law creating the lay ministry of catechists officially recognises for the universal Catholic Church a practice […]
Catholic Church: German bishops’ summit considers women and lay roles as answer to abuse crisis
CLAIRE GIANGRAVÉ, writing for Religion News Service, reports on the resumption this week of deliberations among German Catholic bishops on some of the most controversial issues facing the church, not only in Germany, but across the globe…
Vatican: In rare cases, lay faithful can lead marriage rite
Vatican CityAP The Vatican said on Monday that in very exceptional circumstances and with special permission, lay Catholics can be allowed to perform marriage rites. In a document issued by the Holy See office for clergy, the Vatican said that could only happen if there are no priests or deacons available, the nation’s bishops sign […]
Forty Catholic priests, seminarians and lay people killed in 2018, says Agenzia Fides
Some 40 Catholic priests, seminarians and lay people were killed during 2018, almost double the previous years total, according to figures collated by Agenzia Fides. The Catholic news agency data shows 35 of those killed were priests, one was a seminarian and four were lay people. Africa, where 21 were killed, supplanted the Americas, where […]
CLERGY FAMILIES: NEW AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH SHOWS BETTER SEPARATION NEEDED BETWEEN CHURCH AND FAMILY LIFE
DAVID ADAMS reports on the findings of a new study by Australian Clergy Families…