Church reform groups say 'Widen the circle!'

Last fall, in a nearly unprecedented event, a few lay people were invited to speak at the Synod on the Family in Rome. Although we applaud this small step, it didn't go far enough. These invited guests did not come close to representing the colorful reality of our Church.

Yesterday, 14 Church reform groups launched a petition calling on the Synod leaders to expand the circle and invite testimony from diverse families and perspectives to this fall's discussions. LGBT couples, single parents, interfaith families, remarried Catholics and so many others are active, vital members of our Church.

You can tell the Synod leaders to widen the circle of voices at the table by signing the petition and taking action locally. Check out our Synod action page, which will be updated with new ideas and campaigns as they come available.U.S. Catholics are a talented, intelligent and vibrant group. Our Church is blessed with scholars, ministers and leaders who have listened to and learned from the families in their communities and there is no excuse for a Synod that doesn't celebrate the diversity of our Church!