Hindus have applauded Pope Benedict for appointing 25 women to participate in October Synod of Bishops on the word of God.

This is the largest participation ever by women in the Synod and “it is a step in the right direction”, acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed said in a statement in Nevada (USA) today.
 
Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that men and women are equal in the eyes of God and religions should respect that.
 
The upcoming XII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to take place from October five to 26 in Vatican City, will treat “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church”.
 
Synod is an ecclesiastical gathering for discussion and decision of issues relating to faith, morals, or discipline.
 
His Holiness Pope Benedictus XVI Joseph A. Ratzinger heads the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest of the Christian denominations. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.