Synod 2015: Quote of the Day

The time is now for this synod to propose that the Church re-examine its teaching on marriage and sexuality, and its understanding of responsible parenthood, in a dialogue of laity and bishops together. The response of the [bishops] to [the massive dissent of the laity] has been for better catechesis or to ignore the dissent. This paralyzed status quo cannot continue. The matter must be discussed afresh but lay people will not be content to leave it to clergy alone. Too many in authority responded to clergy sexual abuse in a way which demonstrated that they lacked the expertise in sexuality and psychology to make good decisions, with the result they became complicit in perpetuating enormous harm, harm done to lay people. It will take not more catechesis but rather listening with deep empathy to restore the credibility of the Church in matters of sexual ethics.

– Sharron Cole
Lay Auditor at the Synod on the Family
Quoted in "Synod Hears Call to Re-examine Teachings
on Sexuality and Birth Control"
JohnThavis.com
October 16, 2015

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 8)
• Trajectory is More Important Than the Current Status
• Quote of the Day – December 10, 2014

Related off-site Links:
Pope Francis Seeks to Open Church Doors to All – Gerard O'Connell (America, October 19, 2015).
As LGBT Lives Continue to Be Discussed While the Synod Takes Place, Look at Whose Voice Counts in Catholic Discussion Spaces — And Whose Testimony is Not Invited – William D. Lindsey (Bilgrimage, October 16, 2015).
Archbishop Blase Cupich: Let Gay and Divorced Catholics Take Part – Michael O'Loughlin (Crux, October 16, 2015).
Having the Wrong Discussions . . . – Questions from a Ewe (October 13, 2015).
Synod System Stacks Deck Against Women – Mary E. Hunt (National Catholic Reporter, October 6, 2015).
The Synod, LGBT Catholics, and Women: Meh – William D. Lindsey (Bilgrimage, October 13, 2015).
Synod Fathers on Gay Issues Couldn’t Be Any Further Apart Than They Already Are – Francis DeBernardo (Bondings 2.0, October 12, 2015).
The Real Synod Has Yet to Arrive – Robert Mickens (National Catholic Reporter, October 12, 2015).
Synod 2015 News Notes: Keeping Tabs on All the Talk – Bob Shine (Bondings, 2.0, October 11, 2015).
Will the Synod Fathers Be Surprised by the Spirit? – Christopher Lamb (The Tablet, October 6, 2015).

UPDATE: US Sister-Auditor: Synod Shows Cultural Divide Between Bishops and Laypeople – Joshua J. McElwee (National Catholic Reporter, October 19, 2015).