Dear Pope Francis,
We, members of the international Catholic Community, submit for your consideration the following ten commandments for Church reform. We urge that these principles should be enshrined in Church Law and faithfully implemented on all levels.

1. Allow theologians and other scholars unrestricted freedom of research without fear of consequences.
2. Recognize that a pastoral leader’s first priority is caring for people, not upholding ecclesiastical institutions.
3. Select perceptive administrators in the Roman Curia, not narrow-minded bureaucrats intent on blocking Church reform.
4. Appoint open-minded pastoral bishops, not hard-line traditionalists.
5. Abandon the misguided repression of sex advocated by St. Augustine who maintained that any sexual act not geared to procreation is sinful.
6. Grant parents freedom to plan their families responsibly.
7. Give women full access to holy orders.
8. Allow priests to benefit from the support of a loving spouse.
9. Respect the dignity of every member of the community – treating them as adults.
10. Update church doctrine and practice after listening to the advice of independent competent scholars, pastoral councils and experienced pastors.

With all best wishes and thanks for your inspiring leadership,
John Wijngaards and all the undersigned

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