The document called for a greater role for women in the Church, which bars them from the priesthood. "What are the places where women can flourish within the Church and society? "If it is difficult for young people to feel a sense of belonging and leadership in the Church, it is much more so for young women," the document said. [L5N1QQ5ZN]The document said the 1.2 billion-member Church "oftentimes appears as too severe and is often associated with excessive moralism". It called for a Church that is "welcoming and merciful ... and which loves everyone, even those who are notfollowing the perceived standards".

Source: The Star March 24, 2018 14:48 UTC