International Catholic groups send letter to the Pope
With one voice, 52 groups from around the world have signed a letter urging Pope Francis to consider the importance of women in ministry and the pastoral needs of Catholics.
As we approach the one year anniversary of Francis's election, many have rejoiced in the change of tone but also recognize that there is still a lot of work to do if we want to make our Church a welcoming and just community. Call To Action was one of the 52 (Update: 54) signers. Many identify themselves as church reform groups, others are associations of priests or nuns supporting one another in building a better Church. The signing groups come from all over the world, from India to Ireland, and from across the USA.
"Of the many issues you have addressed this first year in your new ministry, two have emerged early and often in your remarks: the status of women in the Church and the pastoral care of God’s people. As leaders of a movement of steadfast Catholics, committed to the best to and for our Church, we offer you reflections that we believe would bring a greater measure of compassion and courage to the world and to God’s People. These proposals are free of theological complexity and are readily able to be advanced without a break with what some might see as imperative continuity with former teachings," reads the letter's introduction.
Representatives said that Pope Francis has inspired “abundant hope” with his vision of the Church, and asked him to pray for them. They said they were praying for the Pope’s health and ministry. Call To Action's members know that the Church is a work in progress, transforming it has been the work of individuals throughout the centuries and is work that must be taken on by all of us. We are glad that the Pope has inspired hope for change, and seems to be listening to the people, we pray that in his second year we will begin to see concrete changes in the institution of our beloved Church.
You can read the full letter and press release, and see a list of signers, on our Media page.
