Laity
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Lay reform owes more to religious than it admits
While lay reformers spoke of inclusivity, it was religious life that had already lived shared leadership. Many lay Catholics found their truest allies among sisters, brothers and priests outside the clerical caste.
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The silent schism
The silent schism is not dramatic or violent. It unfolds in disillusioned hearts and empty pews, as Catholics quietly conclude that staying within the Church brings more heartache than hope. Unlike past schisms, it lacks noise—but its damage may be far greater.
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Lay ministers take on baptisms in German dioceses
These new developments are more than temporary measures. They reflect a deeper rethinking of sacramental ministry that considers today’s pastoral challenges. While the long-term future of lay-led baptisms in Germany remains uncertain, they are already firmly part of parish and diocesan life.
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Church reform begins at the Baptismal font
Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium called the Church to be a community of disciples, rooted in mercy and solidarity. This vision places co-working and mutual support at the heart of the Church’s mission today.
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Missionary discipleship: From power over to power with
The terms “clergy” and “laity” can trap us in outdated hierarchies. Could adopting the language of “missionary disciples” help the Church rediscover shared leadership and mutual respect?
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The possibility of lay ministry in anointing of the sick
Bold but careful: allowing lay ministers to celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick would demand training, safeguards and oversight, yet could profoundly bless the Church’s ministry to the sick.
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