Synod document brings hope for church reformers on women's ordination and LGBTQ inclusion.

Church reform groups and theologians are hopeful about the Vatican's new document that mentions previously taboo topics such as women's ordination to the diaconate, inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics, the possibility of married priests, and responding to the sexual abuse crisis. The document sets the stage for the upcoming Synod of Bishops in October, which will be held in two parts in October 2023 and October 2024. While some are optimistic about the possibility of change, others express reservations or skepticism about the outcomes of the synod.