The Western Church is grappling with social and cultural issues, key amongst them being how the church should handle same sex couples who are its members. The Church of England during its General Synod held in February voted in favor of blessing same sex couples who have already been joined in civil marriages, and now all eyes are on Rome to see the direction the Catholic Church will take on this matter.
On its part, the church in Africa is also dealing with various sociocultural dynamics such as rise of polygamous marriages and single parenthood. How should the church deal or take care of its members who find themselves in these situations? These are among the concerns that will be raised by Archbishops Martin Kivuva and Anthony Muheria, who are representing the Kenyan Church at the Vatican during this historic meeting.
Other critical issues that will be discussed at the Synod include whether priests should be allowed to get married, if divorced and remarried Catholics should receive communion and whether women should be allowed to become deacons.
Meanwhile, in a remarkable progress, it is the first time that women and laypeople are being allowed to vote at the Synod, though 80% of participants are still bishops, and thus men.
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