Of the 364 bishops, priests, religious and lay people who will vote in the upcoming Synod on Synodality this October, at least 32 of them come from what the Vatican describes as “North America”— the United States and Canada.
Newsroom (03/09/2023 16:30, Gaudium Press) These delegates come from various backgrounds and include bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople. Among the delegates, there are two groups of U.S. bishops. The first group consists of bishops elected by their peers at the USCCB meeting, including Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Bishop Daniel Flores, Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan. They reflect the wider American episcopacy and encompass a range of priorities and theological outlooks.
The second group of U.S. bishops was specifically chosen by Pope Francis and includes all five American cardinals appointed by him: Cardinals Blase Cupich, Robert McElroy, Wilton Gregory, Joseph Tobin, and Kevin Farrell. These cardinals, along with Archbishop Paul Etienne and Archbishop Robert Prevost, bring different perspectives and priorities to the synod, with some emphasizing issues like the ordination of women and changes to pastoral practice.
In Canada, delegates include Archbishop Michael Miller, Bishop William McGrattan, Bishop Raymond Poisson, Auxiliary Bishop March Pelchat, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Cardinal Michael Czerny, and Cardinal Gérald LaCroix.
Among the delegates, the presence of Jesuit Father James Martin has drawn attention. Father Martin is known for advocating for LGBTQ inclusion in the Church, and his inclusion in the synod has sparked controversy among some Catholics who believe he undermines Church teaching on sexuality.
The synod also includes non-bishop participants, with a focus on including more women and young people. From North America, these participants include Father Ivan Montelongo, Julia Osęka, Wyatt Olivas, Cynthia Bailey Manns, Catherine Clifford, Sister Chantal Desmarais, Sister Leticia Salazar, Linda Staudt, and Sister Elizabeth Davis.
While the expansion to include non-bishop participants aims to bring a broader representation to the synod, questions remain about the overall representativeness of the process. Some argue that it reflects the will of God through His people, while others contend that it may be tilted towards a predetermined outcome. Ultimately, Pope Francis will have the final say on the synodal proceedings.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA