Hot-button topics may get public attention at the Vatican synod, but a more fundamental issue for the Catholic Church is at the heart of debate

Conservative factions yearn for "clear teaching" on doctrine and strong centralized authority – even as, ironically, they resist the authority of the current pope, whom they criticize as an undisciplined leader or as too liberal. 

Progressive factions, on the other hand, often seem to yearn for more democratic decision-making, akin to the independent authority local congregations have in some Protestant denominations…

https://theconversation.com/hot-button-topics-may-get-public-attention-at-the-vatican-synod-but-a-more-fundamental-issue-for-the-catholic-church-is-at-the-heart-of-debate-213634