Pink Shoes will arrive at the Vatican in October. From the far reaches of New Zealand to the very heart of Catholicism in Rome, the Pink Shoes Into The Vatican Campaign is making a bold statement on gender inequality within the Church. Led by Be the Change Aotearoa New Zealand, this grassroots initiative will take Read more
The call for synodality has been louder than ever, but does the Church truly understand what it means to listen, especially to those who have left its pews? Listening has become a recurring term in religious circles, particularly in discussions around synodality. But if the Catholic Church is serious about this form of governance, it Read more
Over the past three years, I have been speaking to many groups about the notion of synodality and what it might mean (and not mean) for that community of disciples we refer to as the Catholic Church. In the discussions, one question is invariably put to me, and it amounts to this: If you were Read more
According to the media, the most important issues facing the Synod on Synodality are the possibility of married priests, women deacons and the blessing of gay couples. The first session of the synod will take place in Rome this October, with a second session in October 2024. I personally hope the synod deals with these Read more
Pope Francis is defending his decision to keep the October Synod discussions on the future of the Catholic Church behind closed doors, saying it is a “religious moment” and not a TV talk show. He envisages the upcoming synodal assembly as a prayerful dialogue exercise. He says that dialogue would be free from ideology, not Read more
Pope Francis has openly criticised what he terms the “backwardness” exhibited by certain conservative factions within the US Catholic Church. The pontiff pointed out that, in some instances, political ideology has begun to overshadow genuine faith. This can prompt a displacement of core religious values. Francis made the comments on August 5 in a private Read more
In a public letter, controversial Bishop of Tyler, Texas, Joseph Strickland has predicted an unveiling of ‘true schismatics’ at the forthcoming Synod of Bishops on synodality in Rome this October. Strickland boldly states “Those advocating for changes in matters that are unalterable are, in fact, trying to seize control of Christ’s church, rendering them the Read more
Pope Francis keeps repeating that the upcoming synod is not a parliament. For him, the synod is not a forum for competing positions to debate each other with a goal of developing new policies or effecting structural changes in the church. Similarly, when Pope John XXIII convoked the Second Vatican Council in 1962, he did Read more
Since he was elected in 2013, Pope Francis has been remaking the College of Cardinals in preparation for the next conclave that will elect his successor. He has made the college more international, less European, less curial, more pastoral and less ideological. Like every pope before him, Francis has been looking for men who reflect Read more
The Synod’s Working Document is the Holy Spirit talking and Bishop Stephen Lowe is urging people to become familiar with it. Emphasising its importance, Lowe, President of the New Zealand Bishops Conference, describes the document as “another step towards the future”. “This working document is the product of the process of the Church listening to Read more