Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 28 March |
Holy Thursday of the Supper of the Lord
Aleteia logo
News
separateurCreated with Sketch.

Survey of German synod reveals mixed feelings from the faithful

Catholic Mass Pews hand raised

Shutterstock

J-P Mauro - published on 12/09/22

While the majority of respondents agreed that the clergy should work with the laity, less support was shown for the rest.

Please consider a gift for Aleteia!
Help us spread the joy of Christ's victory.
Aleteia depends on your support.

Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.

DONATE NOW

The German Bishops’ Conference has released a new study that seeks to gauge the perspectives of Catholics around the world on the “synodal way.” The study is based on answers from 599 Catholics from 67 countries on the four main points of discussion, mainly the role of the laity, priestly celibacy, the role of women in the Church, and the Church’s views on homosexuality.

The Pillar notes that although respondents were all either current or former beneficiaries of German scholarships, the results of the survey were varied. The report, titled “Synodal Path – World Church Perspectives,” found overwhelming support for some of the synod’s ideas, but the levels turned scant on others. 

While the survey group is quite small, according to the data, more than two-thirds of respondents, and 90% of Catholic respondents, agreed that the Church is aided in its mission when the laity and clergy work together. While the German bishops can be proud that so many agree with this sentiment, other topics did not benefit from such overwhelming support. 

On the topic of abolishing mandatory celibacy for priests, less than half (44%) said they support the notion. Furthermore, only 42% said they support the ordination of women to the diaconate or priesthood. These figures fell further when asked if the Church should reassess its stance on homosexuality, with fewer than 38% responding in support. 

The German bishops note that this is only the first of two phases of the study, which is considered a quantitative phase. In the second phase, the qualitative phase, they will interview focus groups from various regions of the world with questions based on the responses of this initial report. Results of the second phase are forthcoming. 

Tags:
CatholicismGermanyHomosexualityPriestSynodWomen
Support Aleteia!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reach more than 20 million unique users per month!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Support Aleteia with a gift today!

jour1_V2.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.