Catholic Church Reform International has created its own alternative 20-question survey which is open to Catholics worldwide.

The reform network is made up of representatives of more than 100 groups in 65 countries.

At the extraordinary synod last October, bishops created a working document (lineamenta) that included 46 questions on a range of topics, including marriage and sexuality.

In compiling their own reports on those topics, bishops were asked to consult with clergy, laity and relevant institutions.

Part of the reason for the alternative synod survey, the reform group said, is a "deep concern over deficiencies" in the lineamenta questionnaire, which they called "self-defeating".

The group said the latest survey - whether intentionally or not - "seems designed to thwart" an open flow of feedback from everyday families.

"The questionnaire is far too complex and, with its abstract language and juridical views of marriage, it is largely incomprehensible to even the most well educated Catholics. It will not gather the much-need input from Catholic families themselves," they said in an open letter to Pope Francis last month.

The reform group acknowledged progress at the extraordinary synod and its preceding questionnaire.

The reform group's alternative survey closes on March 9, but could be extended if demand is high enough.

The survey asks respondents to rank on a five-point scale the Church's effectiveness on a range of issues including the pastoral care of co-habiting couples, interreligious families, LGBT persons and their families, single-parent families, and couples using contraceptives.

Other questions ask how the Church fares in reaching out to Catholics who have left the Church, and how family relationships can be strengthened.

A report will be sent to the Vatican summarising the responses.

This report will be published on the reform group's website.

Sources

• National Catholic Reporter
• Image: National Catholic Reporter

The lineamenta, (preparatory document) including specific questions, will be sent to bishops' conferences by the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops within the next few days.

It is the second time in two years the Vatican has asked national bishops conferences for input on responding to questions surrounding modern family life.

The lineamenta is a partial summary of the 2014 meeting and partly a series of 46 questions aimed at an "in-depth" examination of the work begun at the 2014 Synod.

The topics of divorce and remarriage, pastoral care of homosexuals, and couples in 'irregular' relationships are all mentioned, however, the wording is designed to be clear that the basics of Catholic doctrine are not in doubt; indissolubility of marriage, families open to procreation and the 'plague of abortion' are all mentioned.

While not 'watering down' doctrine, bishops are asked to reply showing "proper realism" and to avoid an approach merely applying Church doctrine.

"The proposed questions which follow ... are intended to assist the bishops' conferences in their reflection and to avoid, in their responses, a formulation of pastoral care based simply on an application of doctrine," the document states.

"It is important to be guided by the pastoral approach initiated at the Extraordinary Synod which is grounded in Vatican II and the Magisterium of Pope Francis," it says.

Keen that bishops' conferences continue on the path undertaken by 2014 Synod, the Vatican is asking that every effort be made to begin anew, but not from zero and Pope Francis, at his General Audience on Wednesday, began a 'new chapter' of reflections, focusing on the family.

The Holy Father told the thousands of faithful present that he wanted to share with them what took place and what the 2014 Synod produced.

The theme of the 2015 Synod is: "pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelisation".

Bishops' conferences are asked to have their responses back in Rome by April 15, 2015.

Sources

• NCR
• la Stampa
• News.va
• Image: la Stampa