The challenge of the full participation of women in society and in the Church: A reflection from the First Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

An opportune moment for the People of God, who walk with the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean, was the holding of the First Ecclesial Assembly, because of a path proposed by Pope Francis, of returning to the sources of Christianity to be a Church with open doors and “outgoing”. The challenge is to welcome, reflect and assume priorities in our communities, for a change in the pastoral action of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean, so that it is more welcoming and prophetic. We will highlight priority number 3, which deals with the participation of women in the Church, relating it to the non-ordained ministries instituted by Pope Francis: Ministry of Catechist, Ministry of Acolyte and Lector for women A Church that wants to be synodal and does not make room for the participation of women will not be synodal. This article is divided into 4 topics: 1) outlining new pastoral paths: an important highlight for Pope Francis actions in the field of synodality; 2) the path of synodality is made by walking: the First Ecclesial Assembly as a means of the “path” that is desired for the whole Church; 3) participation and reception of the Ecclesial Assembly: the challenge of keeping alive the flame of the synodal model; and 4) the challenge of the full participation of women in the Church and in society: the urgent need for an opening for more effective participation of women in the ministries and decision spaces of the Church.