VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE   
   YEAR XXII - # 177   
   DATE 14-10-2014   
      
   Summary:   
   - Declaration of the director of the Holy See Press Office on behalf of the   
   General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops   
   - Debate of the Synod Fathers following the post-discussion Report   
      
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    Declaration of the director of the Holy See Press Office on behalf of the   
   General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops   
    Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) - The General Secretariat of the Synod, in response   
   to reactions and discussions following the publication of the Relatio post   
   disceptationem, and the fact that often a value has been attributed to the   
   document that does not correspond to its nature, reiterates that it is a   
   working document, which summarises the interventions and debate of the first   
   week, and is now being offered for discussion by the members of the Synod   
   gathered in the Small Groups, in accordance with the Regulations of the Synod.   
    The work of the Small Groups will be presented to the Assembly in the General   
   Congregation next Thursday morning.   
      
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    Debate of the Synod Fathers following the post-discussion Report   
    Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) - During the eleventh General Congregation the   
   "Relatio post disceptationem" was read by the General Rapporteur, Cardinal   
   Peter Erdo.   
    Immediately after, there followed a period of free discussion among the Synod   
   Fathers. In general, the "Relatio post disceptationem" was appreciated for its   
   capacity to photograph well the interventions that have been offered during   
   this last week, capturing the spirit of the Assembly and highlighting   
   acceptance and welcome as the principle theme of the works. The document, it   
   was said, reveals the Church's love for the family faithful to Christ, but   
   also her capacity to be close to humanity in every moment of life, to   
   understand that, behind the pastoral challenges, there are many people who   
   suffer. The Synod, it was emphasised, should have the watchful gaze of the   
   shepherd who devotes his life to his sheep, without a priori judgement.   
    Furthermore, to allow this Report to bring together various points of view to   
   provide a basis for the work of the Small Groups, certain additional   
   reflections were suggested: for example, while the Church must welcome those   
   in difficulty, it would be useful to speak more widely about those families   
   who remain faithful to the teachings of the Gospel, thanking them and   
   encouraging them for the witness they offer. From the Synod it emerged more   
   clearly that indissoluble, happy marriage, faithful for ever, is beautiful,   
   possible and present in society, therefore avoiding a near-exclusive focus on   
   imperfect family situations.   
    Other reflections involved giving more emphasis to the theme of women, their   
   protection and their importance for the transmission of life and faith; to   
   include consideration of the figure of grandparents within the family unit;   
   more specific reference to the family as a "domestic Church" and the parish as   
   a "family of families", and to the Holy Family, an essential model for   
   reference. In this respect, it was also suggested that the family and   
   missionary role in proclaiming the Gospel in the world be further promoted.   
    It is necessary to clarify and explore more deeply the theme of   
   "gradualness", that may give rise to confusion. With regard to access to the   
   sacraments for divorced and remarried persons, for instance, it was said that   
   it is difficult to accept exceptions unless in reality they become a common   
   rule.   
    It was also noted that the word "sin" is almost absent from the Relatio. The   
   prophetic tone of Jesus' words was also mentioned, to avoid the risk of   
   conformity to the mentality of today's world.   
    In relation to homosexuals, moreover, the need for welcome was highlighted,   
   but with the just produced, so that the impression of a positive evaluation of   
   such a tendency on the part of the Church is not created. The same care was   
   advised with regard to cohabitation.   
    Other insights regarded the need to emphasise the importance of the sacrament   
   of Baptism, essential for fully understanding the sacramental nature of   
   marriage and also its character as a "ministry" in the announcement of the   
   Gospel.   
    With regard to procedures for the streamlining of cases of nullity, some   
   questions were raised regarding the proposal to entrust greater competence to   
   the diocesan bishop, which may prove to be too great a burden, while the need   
   for deeper and more detailed reflection was indicated in relation to cases of   
   polygamy - especially for those who convert and wish to partake in the   
   sacraments - and the spread of pornography, especially on the internet, which   
   poses a real risk to family unity. Finally, in relation to openness to life on   
   the part of couples, it is necessary to face in more detail and more   
   decisively not only abortion, but also that of surrogacy.   
      
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