Read the full synod document here. This wraps it up. Eight bishops declined to approve this final cherry on the synod report. Here we are reminded of the work the bishops expended in their two weeks of meetings. We have a reminder that this is not the complete project–the real synod takes place later this year.
The issues and points of view raised are not going away. Neither are the many challenges we face in families. Lest we think the burdens should be borne most heavily by people in difficult situations, I think many strains in this document show a willingness among bishops to work harder and more fruitfully on behalf of the families in their care. Honesty, respect, accompaniment, charity, and mercy–these things are not easy. Let’s read something on which 169 bishops gave their thumbs up, then you readers get the final comments:
62. These proposed reflections, the fruit of the synodal work which took place in great freedom and with a spirit of reciprocal listening, are intended to raise questions and indicate points of view which will later be developed and clarified through reflection in the local Churches in the intervening year leading to the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled for October, 2015, to treat The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the Contemporary World. These are not decisions taken nor are they easy subjects. Nevertheless, in the collegial journey of the bishops and with the involvement of all God’s people, the Holy Spirit will guide us in finding the road to truth and mercy for all. This has been the wish of Pope Francis from the beginning of our work, when he invited us to be courageous in faith and to humbly and honestly embrace the truth in charity.
Catholic Sensibility 