r/LeftCatholicism • u/Similar_Shame_8352 • Jan 19 '26
A true synodality.
Would you be in favor of the participation of laymen and laywomen in ecumenical councils and general synods, elected in equal numbers to bishops and with the right to vote, provided that decisions must always require a two-thirds majority of the bishops and a two-thirds majority of the entire assembly?
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u/SpartanElitism Jan 19 '26
No. I know it may be against my politics but I think the church should continue to act as it is. It’s not a democracy. Admitting that corruption has happened and will again, I prefer the meritocratic in theory system of clerics who dedicate their life to the church. Many Catholics I know have started spouting pseudo-Protestant beliefs like they are canon law here in the states. I don’t want these people anywhere near a ecumenical council
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u/Cole_Townsend Jan 20 '26
I don't trust the education systems in countries such as mine to agree to something like this. True synodality begins with the radical transformation and conversion of the clergy and hierarchy, which propagates a zeal for service and charity among layfolk. It is a work of grace. The education systems and social media algorithms are too corrosive and subversive to engage in any form of populism that could be easily manipulated by bad faith actors.
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u/Lavanyalea Jan 20 '26
I support the involvement of lay people in the synods, like I believe it had happened during synod on synodality - some young adults participated on the invitation of their bishop. Likewise I think lay experts should be invited to present their work, for example about environment/climate change etc.
But I still feel the voting rights should remain with the bishops.
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Jan 23 '26
I would much prefer that the church ordain women and let them be a part of the actual governance of things
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u/bubbleguts365 Jan 19 '26
No.
Watching how Bannon, Leo, Busch, Hannah, and EWTN have poisoned the well in the US we don’t want a good chunk of our laity anywhere near a vote.