By Marie Mulvenna

(Atlanta had its own "observer" at the recently-concluded Synod of Bishops in Rome. He is Dr. C. B. Hastings, who was there as a representative of the Baptist Press Association. He has shared with us his interesting reflections on the work of the Synod.)

Recalling his memorable three weeks in Rome as a priest correspondent at the Bishops' Synod, Dr. C. Brownlow Hastings of Atlanta said it was most encouraging to hear certain bishops calling for return to moderation in life.

"There was even the suggestion that the Church should dispose of its art treasures in order to provide for more desperate human need," Dr. Hastings noted, adding that rich local churches were urged to share their wealth with those in need.

Dr. Hastings recalled the summary statement to the assembly on justice by Archbishop Alberto Valderrama of the Philippines who summoned the Church "not to talk, but to action, which must begin at home." The archbishop, Dr. Hastings related, stated the whole style of life in the Church should be reformed in the direction of stark simplicity and poverty in personal life, especially for clerics.

Dr. Hastings spoke with a quite smile when he discussed the much-highlighted topic of the role of women in the life of the Church. (It seems women writers always find that topic of great interest.) "Women received about as much recognition at this Synod as they had ever hoped for," Dr. Hastings stated, noting in particular the address presented by English Economist Barbara Ward, the first woman to address such a gathering. "She received quite an ovation," Dr. Hastings noted, "and certainly had the largest press conference of anyone."

"The bishops were genuinely concerned with the role of women and called for a study commission seeking that women have a larger share in the consultative and executive institutions of the Church," Dr. Hastings said. He explained that the call for just such a commission had been originally made by the Canadian bishops, whom he lauded as "very impressive men who had really done their homework and spoke with a sense of representing their people and clergy." The Canadian proposal on women was strongly seconded by Patriarch Hakim of Antioch of the Melkites, Dr. Hastings recalls, stating the Patriarch had some quite notable comments to make on the subject.

The Patriarch told the assembled delegates that "while showing particular devotion to the Mother of God, Christianity continues to give men a commanding position in administration. Even in Muslim countries, civil law is trying to make amends for the injustices towards women. The Church must not, as often happens, arrive late on the scene after civil governments."

According to Dr. Hastings, one bishop noted it was women who first brought the news of the Resurrection of Jesus to the Apostles and, if the Church had sense, it would recognize that women could continue to bring God's word to others.

Archbishop Leo C. Byrne, coadjutor bishop of Minneapolis-St. Paul, urged that the National Conference of Bishops study seriously the infringements on women in ecclesiastical life, Dr. Hastings stated, noting "he made a very strong statement on their behalf."

Dr. Hastings added a humorous footnote to his observations, stating he had received a button from Miss Frances McGillicuddy, assistant editor of The Ecumenical Journal and president of St. Joan's Alliance. "I wore it to a meeting and she really got a kick out of it." He smilingly explained that the button said boldly, "Women! -- don't make coffee -- make policy."

Commenting further on the Synod proceedings, Dr. Hastings said communications with the press were excellent, and he had high praise for Father Jim Roach of Chicago who conducted the English press conferences. "The authenticity proved to the exceptional," Dr. Hastings said.

Dr. Hastings made an interesting conclusion to his comments on the Synod as he discussed visits to cathedrals in Rome and one to a tiny parish in a communist-dominated region. He noted the sparse attendance at weekday Mass in one large church, while at the tiny parish meeting in a converted barn, the fervor and vigor of the preaching were evidence of a great dedication. "I thought it was extremely worth noting that this contrast bears out the thought that when the Church, and I speak of any denomination, if prosperous and 'fat' it is weak in its influence on the world. But, when it is under fire or persecution, it produces a dedication that is so very encouraging."