Following up on the B 3.3 question:
What structures can be developed to strengthen a missionary synodal Church?
b) this requires that structures and institutions function with adequate procedures that are transparent, mission-focused and open to participation; procedures that make room for women, young people, minorities, the poor and marginalized.
This will require a long time to counter the long history of silent endorsement of abuse and the secretive way of handling abusers. Unraveling and undoing a reputation is long and hard work.
This is true for the participatory bodies already mentioned, the role of each of which must be reaffirmed and strengthened. It is also true for: decision-making bodies of associations, movements and new communities; governing bodies of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (in a manner appropriate to the particular charism of each); the many and diverse institutions, often also subject to civil law, through which missionary action and the service of the Christian community is realized, such as schools, hospitals, universities, mass media, reception and social action centers, cultural centers, foundations, etc;
Lay people in the world, and many religious orders (though not all) will do a bit better with this. Section c surfaces the reason for skepticism …
c) The call to reform structures, institutions and functioning mechanisms with a view to transparency is particularly strong in those contexts most marked by the abuse crisis (sexual, economic, spiritual, psychological, institutional, conscience, power, jurisdiction). Inadequate handling of abuse cases is often part of the problem, calling into question the mechanisms, procedures and overall functioning of ecclesial structures and institutions, as well as the mindset of people working within them. The search for transparency and co-responsibility also raises fears and resistance; this is why it is necessary to deepen dialogue, creating opportunities for sharing and dialogue at all levels;
This will take a very long time. Not sure if Church authorities have the patience for it. They will need it.
Catholic Sensibility 