Amazon Synod

Amazon synod groups propose new roles for ministry of men, women

Differences of opinion emerged on the possibility of ordaining married men as priests, while proposals arose to create a new liturgical rite and new ministries for laypeople, as well as the ordination of women deacons.

Church must make ‘preferential option for the Amazon,’ bishop says

As tropical forests fall victim to loggers, miners and ranchers, the Catholic Church must take sides to defend the Amazon region and its people, said a bishop whose Bolivian diocese has been ravaged by fire this year.

Development proposals at synod raise questions about indigenous rights

Proposals for Amazonian development made by well-known observers at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon could conflict with the expectations of indigenous people unless they are included in decision-making, some synod participants said.

Inadequate formation a factor in lack of vocations, bishops say at synod

Existing formation programs are not preparing priests and other pastoral workers to be leaders in a church with an Amazonian and indigenous face, according to bishops participating in the synod for the Amazon.

Women religious should have vote at synod, theologian says

While the Catholic Church has made strides to include the voice of women, especially in the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, women should be included among synod voting members and in church leadership positions, a German theologian said.

Bishop highlights need for lay ministries in Amazon

Lay men and women involved in ministry have been fundamental in spreading the Gospel and furthering the Catholic Church's mission in the Amazon, a Brazilian bishop said.

God in all things: Synod looks at indigenous ‘theology of creation’

Many Amazonian indigenous peoples consider the natural world sacred because God is present in all of creation, and at the Rome synod on the Amazon, Pope Francis urged respect for their worldview and cultures.

Most Amazon bishops support ‘viri probati,’ women deacons, bishop says

Speaking to journalists after a Vatican press briefing Oct. 9, retired Bishop Erwin Krautler of Xingu said, "I guess that (of) the bishops who are in the Amazon region, two-thirds are in favor of the 'viri probati.'"

Synod must give hope to indigenous, not hollow words, participant says

Indigenous people are hoping that the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon will awaken the world's conscience to their plight and not simply offer them lip service, an indigenous participant told Pope Francis.

Catholics need to recognize ‘ecological sins,’ synod members say

Synod members said that an "ecological conversion" was necessary to ensure that Christians understand the "gravity of sin against the environment as a sin against God, against one's neighbor and against future generations."