Synodalist “Declaration of Love to a Church for Everyone”.

Helena Jeppesen: “We need young people’s visions in the synodal process”

She is a delegate to the World Synod in Rome: Helena Jeppesen. At the synod meeting she led a workshop with young people. Above all, she takes the “energy and strength of young people” with her to the synod. And a petition that was presented to her.

"How did you experience the opening prayer?”

Helena Jeppesen*: There could hardly have been a more impressive start to the synod: moments of prayer, singing together and silence on a beautifully decorated St. Peter's Square at dusk. The energy and being together with all the young people from all over the world, a colorful mix of denominations and religions, moved us all.

Ecumenical evening prayer entitled "Together - Gathering of the People of God" with Pope Francis and church leaders of various denominations in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on September 30, 2023.

What touched you?

Jeppesen: I take the power of silence and praying and singing together with the young people and all synod participants with me into the retreat and the synod work, especially the energy and strength of the young people who were there.

“That was very inspiring for me.”

You held a workshop in Rome yesterday morning. How was it?

Jeppesen: I spoke on the topic “How can the church be credible today?” moderated a workshop with 170 young people who came to the Together Meeting in Rome. That was very inspiring for me, because we absolutely need the visions and wishes of young people in the synodal process.

The group “offen.katholisch” presented Helena Jeppesen with the petition “Declaration of Love to a Church for Everyone”.

You also met the “offen.katholisch” group.

Jeppesen: After the workshop, a group from offen.katholisch gave me the petition “Declaration of Love to a Church for Everyone” for the Synod. They campaign for priestly ordination for all and marriage for all. I would be happy to take your concerns with me to the synod. I was very touched by the young people's creativity and love for the Catholic Church.

“Associations of those affected must be represented themselves.”

A few days ago there were protests against Cardinal Fernández, who is said to have failed to take decisive action against abuse. Voices of those affected are missing from the synod. What do you think?

Jeppesen: The concerns of those affected by abuse will be taken into account by various Synods in the assembly. But of course representatives from associations of those affected should be there themselves and be able to report.

*Helena Jeppesen-Spuhler works for the Lent Action relief organization. She is also active in the  Catholic Equality Alliance and the Catholic Women’s Council. She is a delegate to the World Synod in Rome.

Source