Catholic synod comment: Progressivists in the ascendency with the futures of Cardinals Burke and Muller uncertain says papal expert Dr Rebecca Rist
Release Date 16 October 2014
As the Assembly draws to a close Dr Rebecca Rist, from the University of Reading's Department of History, examines the event's legacy.
"Contraception, divorce, re-marriage, homosexuality and abortion. This Extraordinary Assembly has addressed issues at the heart of modern society. But what will be the legacy of this Assembly? Will the Traditionalists or the Progressivists emerge the happier group come Friday - It is difficult to say for sure.
"One thing is for certain - much has changed since 2000 years ago. Although this is only the 3rd Extraordinary Assembly the idea of holding councils is nothing new. Back then there were also 'hawks and doves' - the subjects differed but the debates still raged.
"For the early papacy of the Ancient World almost every 'Council' was about dogmatic theology - defining key Christian concepts such as the Trinity, rather than about moral theology. Simony (the buying and selling of ecclesiastical office), Nicolaism (clerical concubinage) and how to reform Monasticism were the hot topics of the day for the medieval papacy. For the Early Modern papacy the burning issue was how to counter the Protestant Reformation.
"Some commentators are already suggesting a parallel between the Arian controversy - concerning the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ - which beleaguered the papacy in the fourth century - and the divisions which have now appeared on moral questions as a result of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly.
"For my money the 'Progressivists' are currently in the ascendency. It is possible that Cardinal Burke may be demoted from the role he holds as Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura - certainly he is persona non grata with more liberal elements in the Church."
"Cardinal Muller's future is also uncertain. On the other side both Cardinals Scola and Ouellet have weighed in for the conservatives. But the jury is still out. Francis I will not make his final deliberations until the Ordinary General Assembly which is scheduled to meet in October 2015."