Synodality | Women | Visiting theologian stresses importance of laity in the Church

You can watch the livestream here: Dr Myriam Wijlens Free Public Lecture LIVESTREAM (youtube.com)

“The participation of women is relevant in each and every local Church in each form of the world. It is not just a Western topic,” Dr Wijlens said. 

Dutch theologian Myriam Wijlens discussed the value of listening, the journey of synodality, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Church at a public lecture hosted by Parramatta Diocese.

Held in Parramatta last week, the lecture on “The prophetic voice of the laity in the renewal of the Catholic Church” attracted 200 attendees as well as more than 570 online viewers. 

Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv said Dr Wijlens provided unique insights and new depths about the future of the Church. 

“You are a truly contemporary embodiment of Catholic women’s wisdom, courage and moral authority,” Bishop Long said. 

“We are so honoured to listen to you in person, and to be inspired and challenged by you.” 

In her lecture, Dr Wijlens reflected on the upcoming session of the global Synod on Synodality in October, of which she is a coordinating committee member.

She unpacked the process of the Synod in its listening and discernment of current issues, having been involved in the Synod since its beginning. 

“The Synod on Synodality is a process that may well be characterised as the people of God awakening by coming out of hibernation into becoming pilgrims of hope … to a world so much in need of it,” Dr Wijlens said.

In this journey towards a synodal Church, Dr Wijlens clarified that the Church cannot be defined as a congregation of bishops, but as the “people of God”. 

“Being and becoming a synodal Church requires the need to reflect about the participation of all baptised in the Catholic faith,” she said. 

The world Synod has brought burning topics to the fore, such as the participation of women and people “on the margins of society and the Church”. 

“The participation of women is relevant in each and every local Church in each form of the world. It is not just a Western topic,” Dr Wijlens said. 

She said canon law does not prevent women as consultants to the Church. 

“As a canon lawyer, I can assure you, it is not forbidden for a bishop to listen to women,” she said.

“It’s not forbidden for a bishop to appoint women as his consultors and to see to statutes that secure their participation in a substantial way.”  Source: Catholic Outlook.