In their first formal reports to the entire Synod of Bishops, many of the gathering’s working groups reported that they had discussed the clerical sexual abuse crisis and, especially, its impact on young Catholics.
Synod group reports focus on abuse, sexuality, friendship, mission
Abuse crisis, role of women recurring themes at synod, members say
Despite many positive and joyful moments during the Synod of Bishops on young people, bishops also have set aside the agenda to discuss the serious scandals and unfolding allegations affecting the church, two synod fathers said.
Church needs to meet young people where they are, U.S. observer says
To reach young people and teach them the faith, Catholics must first show them that they are loved, “not just judged, discarded, or abused,” said a 29-year-old observer at the Synod of Bishops.
Migration should be a choice, not forced, says cardinal
Young people should have a right to migrate but should never be forced to do so, said an Italian cardinal at the Synod of Bishops.
Archbishop urges synod to use care with language, especially on sexuality
rchbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia told members of the Synod of Bishops their task was to help young people understand Catholic teaching on sexuality and to avoid using terms like “LGBTQ” that make it seem as if the church categorizes people that way.
At synod, Sydney archbishop apologizes to young people for church failures
Australian Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney used his speech at the Synod of Bishops to formally apologize to young people for all the ways the Catholic Church and its members have harmed them or let them down.
How the synod works: Cardinal shares statistics, working rules
Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, introduced the work of the synod on young people Oct. 3 with a variety of statistics and informational notes.
Listen to young people, be open to change, cardinal tells synod
Brazilian Cardinal Sergio da Rocha, relator general of the synod, introduced the synod’s work Oct. 3, urging the bishops to pray for “the gift of a healthy spiritual uneasiness,” recognizing that while the church has some programs that help some young people, much more needs to be done.