Matthew 10:26 - 23

Women's participation in ministry and leadership drew strong support. Many saw this as a matter of justice and credibility rooted in baptismal dignity and co-responsibility. ‘The roles of women in the Church are diminished compared to those of their male counterparts - there is a need for equality, diversity and an increase in leadership roles for women.' There was a strongly expressed view that women do not have equal dignity in the Church.

It was noted that the subject of women keeps coming up: ‘this recurrence was felt to be an action of the Holy Spirit.' Women's voices in decision-making were highlighted as essential: ‘it is criticalbthat women make and are seen to make decisions at the highest level.'

Many felt the Church needs to do more to welcome and respect LGBTQ+ people. There was a desire for open, honest conversation, grounded in the dignity of every person and shared baptismal identity, reflecting a growing awareness of how the Church speaks and acts in these areas shapes its credibility. Calls for compassion, dignity, and pastoral care were persistent, though often entangled with tension. ‘Discussions on sexuality revealed discomfort among some, but also a desire among others for the Church to be more compassionate and to listen to personal stories.'