In February 2023, Pope Francis established a synodal study group to reinterpret Catholic teaching on controversial topics, focusing particularly on matters of sexuality and life. This group is implementing a “new paradigm” that emphasizes personal experiences and cultural shifts rather than adhering strictly to traditional moral absolutes and established teachings of the Church. The group’s findings, presented during the Synod on Synodality session, reflect this departure from conventional doctrine, indicating a significant shift in how the Church may approach moral questions in the future. Rather than applying established doctrines to contemporary situations, the study group advocates for a model that prioritizes listening to individuals’ lived experiences as a source of understanding and guidance.
The group’s report suggests that the traditional method of applying objective truths to subjective situations is inadequate. Instead, they claim that discernment should arise from the “self-gift of Revelation in Jesus” as interpreted through the modern-day lens of the Spirit. This approach advocates for a transformation in thinking and practices while remaining committed to the essence of the Gospel, described as both enduring and rich in its capacity to evolve. These proposed changes illustrate a profound shift from a static application of doctrine to a more dynamic interaction with moral issues that considers contemporary societal realities.
This shift has not gone unchallenged. Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, responded critically to the study group’s findings, arguing that the abandonment of moral absolutes poses serious risks to the integrity of church teachings. Strickland emphasized the importance of maintaining certain moral truths, asserting that deviation from these could lead followers down a dangerous path. His remarks highlight a significant tension within the Church between those who support this new flexible approach to doctrine and those advocating for the preservation of traditional teachings.
The findings of the synodal study group reveal an ongoing struggle within the Church to balance doctrine with contemporary ethical considerations. The report asserts that a fruitful relationship between doctrine and practice can offer a more vivid representation of living Tradition, counteracting the temptation to adhere rigidly to verbal formulations of doctrine. This reflects a broader trend in which Church leaders seek to redefine engagement with modernity, but critics argue that this could lead to a dilution of fundamental Catholic teachings. The underlying concern is that morality may become overly influenced by societal trends, undermining the timelessness of the Church’s teachings.
The composition of the seven-member panel itself may provide insight into the group’s direction. Members like Father Maurizio Chiodi and Father Carlo Casalone have previously championed controversial positions, such as the use of contraceptives and assisted suicide. This raises questions about the accountability of the members and their alignment with Church doctrine, which emphasizes a distinct and fixed moral framework derived from Scriptural and traditional sources. The Catechism of the Catholic Church maintains that these sources should guide Church teaching, irrespective of personal experiences or societal views. Critics contend that the group’s approach risks eroding the authority of these established moral guidelines.
As the Synod on Synodality approaches its conclusion on October 27, 2023, the trajectory set by this study group illustrates significant challenges facing the Catholic Church. The discussions arising from this synod and the ten study groups involved are expected to extend through June 2025, indicating that this exploration of morality and ethics within a contemporary context will continue for some time. The evolving dialogue surrounding these issues suggests a potential transformation in how the Church engages with modern challenges, as well as the values it holds at its core. As these debates unfold, the necessity for clarity regarding fundamental moral teachings remains pressing, even as some advocate for a more flexible, experience-based approach to understanding faith and ethics.