ACCCR Future of Catholicism Convocation 2

Outcomes and Actions for the Plenary Council

The second Convocation brought to you by Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform.

The second Convocation exploring The Future of Catholicism in Australia brought together diverse perspectives on the current state, and future prospects, for our Church in Australia.

It built on the momentum generated by Joan Chittister’s powerful ‘call to action’ in the first Convocation, and will set down markers for a Synodal Way, speaking to the deep desires among Australian Catholics for a fresh vision and new directions.

With these Convocations the Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (ACCCR) aims to support a successful Plenary Council process ensuring the voices of the people, the ‘sense of faith’ of the faithful, are heard in free and open discussion.

Click here to download the summary of the participants’ ‘chat’ comments and thoughts from the event.

EVENT VIDEOS

Click below to view the video of this spirited and inspiring event.

Click below to view the full version of Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM’s opening speech.

A CHURCH FOR ALL
A guide to the Plenary Council …and beyond
Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform

Presents transcripts from the speakers from Convocations One and Two, along with a response to the Pleanry agenda and discussion questions thqat will provoke further reflection for groups and individuals.

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OPENED BY

Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM, Senior Australian of the Year 2021, Aboriginal elder from Nauiyu, a renowned artist, activist, writer and public speaker. Miriam Rose was the Northern Territory’s first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher, later the principal of the Catholic school in her home community, and a member of the National Indigenous Council. In 2013, she established the Miriam Rose Foundation.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Dr Jessie Rogers is a member of the Synod Steering Committee for Ireland’s Synodal Journey. Dr Rogers, Dean of Theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, is a member of the Irish Biblical Association, the South African Society for Near Eastern Studies, and the European Society for Catholic Theology. Jessie will reflect on the international context of the Plenary Council and on what is involved in a synodal journey.

Robert Fitzgerald was a Royal Commissioner into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He has extensive experience in organisational leadership and public and social policy review in the Church, the government and private sectors. Robert will focus on the practical outcomes required to meet the real challenges facing our Church today.

Debra Zanella is the Chief Executive Officer of Ruah Community Services in Western Australia. With 20 years’ experience in the community sector, Debra is a strong advocate for vulnerable and disadvantaged people. She is inspired by the prophetic views of Joan Chittister and shares her concern for the unequal treatment of women in the Catholic Church, a topic not raised in the Plenary Council’s ‘Agenda Questions’. Debra will share her desire for a new Church with a prophetic vision based on lived experience and hope for a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community.

Emeritus Professor John Warhurst will summarise the proceedings and speak to our Plenary Council Agenda proposals. John is an Emeritus Professor of the Australian National University, Chair of Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn and a Plenary Council member. John writes for Eureka Street and the Canberra Times and is author of the new book Wrestling with Church Hierarchy: Engaging with the Plenary Council & Beyond. He was a member of the writing team for Light from the Southern Cross, the report on Church governance commissioned by the Australian Bishops, following the Royal Commission.

A CHURCH FOR ALL
A guide to the Plenary Council …and beyond
Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform
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