Irish synodal assembly votes down proposal for a national women’s office

More than 300 participants in the Irish National Synodal Assembly convened in Gormanston, Co Meath, to evaluate 35 proposals shaping the future of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The most contested item was a plan to set up a national office for women to promote their inclusion; 56% of delegates voted “do not recommend,” while just 12% gave a strong recommendation and another 6% a modest one, making it the proposal with the greatest opposition.

By contrast, measures to increase women’s presence in liturgy and to study women’s ministry, including the diaconate, attracted higher support, with 38% and 42% respectively giving strong endorsements. Healing initiatives dominated the agenda, with 89% backing prioritisation of survivor support and 64% endorsing a new healing commission. Youth engagement also saw strong backing, as 84% approved youth coordinators and training pathways. The assembly’s recommendations will be forwarded to the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference for final decision, and Cardinal Mario Grech emphasized the need for concrete reforms rather than merely managing decline.