Synod on Synodality – Room for Everyone in Our Church

Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform, Yarra Theological Union, and Garratt Publishing present
SYNOD ON SYNODALITY – ROOM FOR EVERYONE IN OUR CHURCH

The next Synod session this October will be crucial as it will set the tone and lay the groundwork for the second Synod in October 2024.

The open consultative, listening style of the Instrumentum Laboris must be established as the normal operating procedure of the Church to enable it to regain credibility and relevance. Particular issues such as the status of women, LGBTQI+, and remarried people must be resolved responsibly.

The focus of the Synod on Synodality – Room for Everyone in Our Church convocaton was to discuss these issues. Leading the discussion was one of the ACBC’s representatives at the Synod, Shane Mackinlay, Bishop of Sandhurst (Vic) who reflected on his hopes and expectations for the October meeting and the implications for the Church in Australia. Moderating the webinar was award-winning journalist Genevieve Jacobs.

The event was recorded and can be viewed below.

SPEAKER

Shane Mackinlay
Following ordination in 1991, Shane, undertook graduate studies in philosophy at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, completing a Master’s degree and Doctorate. He had extensive pastoral experience in the Ballarat Diocese and for several years, taught philosophy at Australian Catholic University, Ballarat. In 2012, he was appointed Associate Professor by the University of Divinity. Shane was the spokesperson for the Catholic Church during the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and other Non-Government Organisations. Pope Francis appointed Shane as the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst in 2019.

MODERATOR

Genevieve Jacobs
Genevieve is the Group Editor for Region Media, Australia’s fastest growing digital news platform. Genevieve sits on the board of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, is Chair of the Canberra International Music Festival, Director of the Conflict Resolution Service and a member of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. Genevieve was made an AM for her service to public broadcasting and the community, and has an enduring interest in building community engagement.

CLOSING REMARKS

Francis Sullivan
Francis is well known for his many and varied roles in major Church ministries, and is Chair of Concerned Catholics Canberra Gouburn. He was previously CEO of the Truth Justice and Healing Council and has served as an advisor for the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Health Care Workers. He has a masters degree in theology, tertiary qualifications in politics and is currently Chair of the Mater Group of hospitals, Catholic Social Services Australia and a director of Mercy Health.

YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED

ACCCR works to bring about the Church we dream of – a Christ-like Church. Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality is a moment of hope for this Church. Synodality means all the baptised work together equally in the Church’s mission. We encourage all Catholics to be involved in synodal activities, as well as other activities for renewal and reform. Communication and awareness-raising are essential features. For this we need resources to pay for events as we build on previous werbinars and publications. All ACCCR members involved volunteer their time and effort.

Donations can be made at the following link:

https://www.mycause.com.au/p/303404/acccr-convocations

FURTHER READING