He said he hoped the statement would be studied by lay Catholics.

A growing number of lay Catholics would like to take them at their word.

The majority of these are lay Catholics, otherwise known as the "laity".

It has since grown into a nationwide network of lay Catholics that claims 25,000 members.

Instead, it has focused on working with lay Catholics and others to build momentum for its causes.

The bishops also encouraged lay Catholics to enter politics but said they must uphold church policy.

The course later was adapted and used to create two catechetical home study courses for lay Catholics.

He admitted that local lay Catholics have often felt "left out in the cold."

The group's leaders said they hoped the proposals and turnout here today would help increase the role of lay Catholics in the church.

To some lay Catholics in this deeply Catholic city, it was the last straw.