(LifeSiteNews) — A Synod on Synodality voting lay member shared in a recent interview that “a large number of bishops” are now “ready to take clear steps” to women’s ordination via a discussion on women deacons.
Helena Jeppesen-Spuhler, a member of the Swiss delegation to the Synod’s European Assembly, gave an interview earlier this month with the German Catholic news outlet Forum, in which Jeppesen suggested the Synod on Synodality will bring about changes to Catholic Church teaching on key doctrinal issues, including women’s ordination.
Jeppesen, who admitted that she herself is “in favor of the ordination of women,” acknowledged that there is “tension” among the synod participants on the issue but expressed hope that the synod delegates would make “progress” nevertheless.
She clarified that while she doesn’t think women priests are now possible, she sees that the possibility of women’s ordination to the diaconate is on the table.
“I believe — and sincerely hope — that something will be possible in the women’s question,” Jeppesen said. “There are now a large number of bishops who are ready to take clear steps. The priesthood of women will not be introduced immediately, but the diaconate of women should be seriously discussed at the assembly in Rome.”
“We currently have to be satisfied with such partial results and at the same time continue to work persistently,” she added.
Asked what she expects from the final Synod document, Jeppesen said that only a draft version has been shared with the voting delegates so far, but that it “contains strong positions” on “the ordination of women” and other unnamed issues.
“So far, the bishops and also the Vatican have always tried to prevent something like this. I very much hope that these positions will also be presented just as clearly in the definitive version,” Jeppesen said.
Regarding the “role of women” in the Catholic Church in general, Jeppesen said “it became clear in practically all country reports that the church must finally move forward.”
Theologian and liturgical scholar Dr. Peter Kwasniewski has explained in his book Ministers of Christ that not only women priests but women deacons are impossible because “all liturgical services within the sanctuary of the church represent Christ, the supreme ‘deacon.’”
Kwasniewski pointed out that minor orders, including the diaconate, cannot be compartmentalized from the priesthood, but “order the soul of the minor cleric gradually toward the eventual reception of the sacred priesthood itself, preparing him not merely at a natural level through the discharging of sacred duties but supernaturally through the spiritual conferral of priestly powers … ”
Remarkably, asked where she expects “movement” is most likely, Jeppesen shared, “In about 90% of reports from all over Europe, it was stated that the issue of LGBTQIA+ must be taken very seriously. It is about people who are part of the church and are entitled to participate.”
Jeppesen was unclear as to what exactly is meant by such “participation,” although her statement underscores concerns that the Synod on Synodality could attempt to condone same-sex relationships in some manner, especially considering that Pope Francis has named a bevy of pro-LGBTQ clerics and even laymen as voting members of the synod.
These include Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich S.J., Relator General of the Synod, who has described Church teaching on the sinfulness of homosexual acts as “false;” Father James Martin S.J., a notoriously pro-LGBT priest who has promoted same-sex civil unions; and Cardinal Blase Cupich, who has promoted LGBTQ Masses.
It should be noted that these voting members don’t merely advocate “love” and “welcome” for those who experience same-sex attraction, which the Catholic Church has always supported but actually express support for homosexual acts, which the Church by contrast has always condemned as a grave sin.
Canon lawyer Father Gerald Murray and editor-in-chief of The Catholic Thing Robert Royal recently warned that any attempts from the Church hierarchy, including within the context of the Synod on Synodality, to legitimize homosexuality must be resisted, since Church teaching on homosexual acts is “unchangeable.”
Royal stressed that attempting to reverse Catholic teaching against homosexual “blessings” as suggested by Pope Francis’ new doctrinal chief, Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernández, would be “open heresy and open schism.”