Iglesia Descalza: Catholic Scholars' Declaration on Authority in the Catholic Church

I somehow missed covering this declaration when it was first publicized in October 2012 -- probably because, like a number of its signatories, I was heavily immersed in the Continental Theology Congress in Brazil that month. In this declaration, theologians and other leaders in the Church across the world lay out their suggestions for how the administration of our Church needs to change.

History and Process

The history and process behind this declaration are fascinating and explain, perhaps, why it has had so little real publicity. According the website devoted to the Declaration, "a group of theologians met at an international conference on 'Handing On the Torch' Utrecht, 2010). They concluded that in many areas of the Church's life progress is blocked by an imbalance in the exercise of authority." Theologian and former Catholic priest Johannes Wijngaards spearheaded the effort to gather more information and documentation. Wijngaards, who returned to lay status in 2000 and subsequently married, is primarily known for his early and consistent advocacy of women's ordination. He is the author of multiple books on the subject, the most recent of which is The Ordained Women Deacons of the Church's First Millennium (Canterbury Press, 2012). He is also the mastermind behind Womenpriests.org, a major academic resource collection on this topic.

The gathering of support for the declaration was done through networking. The academic signatories, or "sponsors" as they have been called, were generally invited by other sponsors. "We only invite persons who possess the academic qualifications and the experience of Catholic life that enable them to endorse the Jubilee Declaration responsibly. No one is put on the list unless he or she has clearly indicated his/her endorsement of the Declaration." There are 160 academic sponsors, according to the site. Subsequently, a web-based signature gathering form was added for "co-signatories", of which there are 2,032 to date.

The ChurchAuthority.org website also contains a more developed blueprint of what the proposed authority structure would look like, a discussion of the values reflected in this process, and "case studies" on the main "hot button" issues in the Church: the sex abuse scandal, contraceptives, homosexuality, mandatory celibacy, women priests, and divorced and remarried Catholics.

The Declaration

On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) we call on all other members of the People of God to assess the situation in our church.

Many of the key insights of Vatican II have not at all, or only partially, been implemented. This has been due to resistance in some quarters, but also to a measure of ambiguity that remained unresolved in certain Council documents.

A principal source of present-day stagnation lies in misunderstanding and abuse affecting the exercise of authority in our Church. Specifically, the following issues require urgent redress:

The role of the papacy needs to be clearly re-defined in line with Christ's intentions. As supreme pastor, unifier and prime witness to faith, the pope contributes substantially to the health of the universal church. However, his authority may never obscure, diminish or suppress the authentic authority directly given by Christ to all members of the people of God.

Bishops are vicars of Christ, not vicars of the pope. They carry immediate responsibility for people in their dioceses, and joint responsibility, with other bishops and the pope, for the world-wide community of faith.

The central synod of bishops should assume a more decisive role in planning and guiding the maintenance and growth of faith within our complex world. To execute its task, the synod of bishops needs to be given appropriate structures.

The Second Vatican Council prescribed collegiality and co-responsibility on all levels. This has not been realised. Priestly senates and pastoral councils, as envisaged by the Council, should involve the faithful more directly in decision making concerning the formulation of doctrine, the running of the pastoral ministry and evangelization in secular society.

The abuse of choosing for leadership offices in the church only candidates of a particular mindset, should be eradicated. Instead, new norms should be laid down and supervised to ensure that elections to such offices are conducted in a fair, transparent and, to the extent possible, democratic fashion.

The Roman curia requires a more radical reform, in line with the instructions and vision of Vatican II. The curia should be retained for its useful administrative and executive roles.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith should be assisted by international commissions of experts who have been independently chosen for their professional competence.

These are by no means all the changes that may be required. We also realise that the implementation of such structural revisions will need to be worked out in detail according to the possibilities and limitations of present and future circumstances. However, we stress that the seven reforms outlined above are urgent and their implementation should be started immediately.

The exercise of authority in our church should emulate the standards of openness, accountability and democracy achieved in modern society. Leadership should be seen to be honest and credible; inspired by humility and service; breathing concern for people rather than preoccupation with rules and discipline; radiating a Christ who makes us free; and listening to Christ's Spirit who speaks and acts through each and every person.

The Sponsors

This project is notable for the names associated with it. Indeed, except for a handful, many of the world's best known progressive theologians have signed on. The website helpfully also makes space for biographical information on each sponsor -- making it also a great starting point for building up a progressive theological library!