In Historic Moment for Voting Rights in the Church, Catholic Organizations Call for Action to Ensure Diverse Representation

For Immediate Release:

Contact:  Kate McElwee, Executive Director of Women’s Ordination Conference, kmcelwee@womensordination.org, Cell: 607-725-1364 | +39 393 692 2100
Office: 202-675-1006    

Deborah Rose, Co-Director of FutureChurch, debrose@futurechurch.org, 513.673.1401 (m), Office: 216.228.0869

The Vatican recently announced Pope Francis’ decision to include lay faithful as full voting members of the Synod assembly in October 2023. This means votes for Catholic women.

“Make no mistake: The collaborative, committed, and persistent advocacy of Catholics around the world made an impact,” said Kate McElwee, Executive Director of Women’s Ordination Conference.  “Their efforts-- signing a petition years ago, sharing support on social media, and witnessing for women’s right to vote in Rome-- have led to this historic shift in the life of the Catholic Church,” she added.

As the synod process moves toward Rome, our work to make sure the experiences of all Catholics are represented continues. The synod office has asked each of the seven continental regions to put forward a total of 20 possible persons with appropriate pastoral experience and past participation in the synod process, half of whom will eventually be selected to participate in the synod gatherings as voting members.  Members of Catholic Organizations for Renewal have already sent letters to the North American Synod Committee who will be tasked with choosing these non-bishop members, including women.

The twelve organizations representing thousands of Catholics across North America and worldwide wrote:

In response to Pope Francis’ latest directive, and out of our deep hope for a Church that is committed to listening and dialogue, we urge you to choose Synod assembly members who are representative of Catholics who have been marginalized – in the life, ministry, and governance of the Church including women of color; young women; Catholics who have experienced abortion; indigenous women; lay and consecrated Catholics; LGBTQI people; women from poverty-stricken and war torn regions of the world;  immigrants; those suffering the effects of climate change; the disabled; survivors of clergy sex abuse; and all who represent the voices of the excluded.  

“This is a moment to be in dialogue with synod leaders and urge them to consult with organizations that have worked for justice and equality in our church, and who have long modeled a Synodal Church,” said Deborah Rose, Co-Director of FutureChurch.  “We need women of color; young women; indigenous women; lay and consecrated Catholics; LGBTQI people; people who have experienced abortion; immigrants; the disabled; survivors of clergy sex abuse; and voices of those communities most silenced in the Church at the table.”

“We must ensure those who are selected represent the vast and beautiful diversity of God’s people,” said Marianne Duddy Burke, Executive Director of DignityUSA.  “And we need all Catholics who are committed to an inclusive and synodal Church to continue to share their concerns and hopes in writing and through phone calls with the North American Synod Committee who will be making these important choices.” 

Catholic Organizations for Renewal encourage fellow Catholics to insist upon diverse representation at the Synod. A list of the contact information for the officials on the North American Synod Committee can be found here.

“This is a historic moment for our Church,” said Jamie Manson, President of Catholics for Choice.  “And we thank Catholics everywhere for believing in the power of the grassroots, and continuing to knock on closed doors to ensure our Church is a place of justice, equality, and welcome for all.”