The Future of Catholicism in Australia

Third in a series of talks organised by the Australian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform

Convocation 3. 7.30 pm (AEDT) 18 November

Register free at:

http://acccr.com.au/

Our Church is at a crisis point, no longer adequately inspiring our people. We Catholics desire a ‘grown-up’ Church and recognise that the necessary reform requires major cultural change. All of us have a right and a responsibility to be engaged in this renewal. Relevant, constructive, and concrete proposals and actions are needed now more than ever to shape our Church for the task of proclaiming the vision and mission of Jesus in the 21^st century.

We are concerned that the agenda questions for the Plenary Council do not encourage serious examination of the deep-seated issues underlying the numerous challenges facing thinking Catholics. We do not endorse the Agenda as it is and request that it be replaced. We urge those Members of the Plenary Council who have a similar view on the inadequacy of the current PC Agenda, to express that view prior to, or at the outset of the first session, in the strongest possible terms.

The Plenary Council has the potential to be a catalyst, a fulcrum on which an emerging Church can pivot towards the future. It could be a significant step towards a recovered vision of God’s revelation in Jesus and the Spirit within faith communities and in transforming our world and creation.

We call on Plenary Council members to respond to Pope Francis’ hopes for a new era of synodality and accountability where we all walk humbly together. It will require uncommon courage and a commitment to changes in how we do and are church. For this to happen, we must be open to radical conversion, reform, and renewal. Let us journey in the Spirit!