Most likely outcomes for the Synod on Synodality:

1. Same-sex unions will be “blessed”, but through sophistry:

“We’re not blessing same-sex unions; we’re blessing *people* who happen to be in same-sex unions. Regardless, this cannot be considered comparable to matrimony.” 2. Women will be permitted to become deacons, to be decided at a local level:

“For too long, women have been unjustly forbidden from exercising ecclesial ministry in an official capacity. Because they are full & true members of the Body of Christ, they deserve access to orders.”

Perhaps the real problem in the Church is not "rigid" Catholics, but Catholics who aren't rigid enough. Much of the sex abuse crisis can be linked to laxity—a collapse in discipline among clergy, a loss of asceticism, & abuse of power by those thinking they're above the rules. We're constantly being told that "rigidity" is the problem. I used to think that, too. But a number of abusers in the clerical ranks were those who shrugged off traditional fasts, mortifications, and self-denial. Think of Paul Shanley, known for being a "street priest".