The Czech theologian, Tomas Halik, was recently asked to give a talk to a working meeting of the European delegates to the October Synod. It was, in my view, a most radical and profound talk. Here I wish to highlight what really stood out for me.
He begins by giving an outline of the breadth of the Synodal project, not just to the Church but to the whole world.
Synodality is not just to improve communication within the Church, but with the Church and the whole human family.
The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, has been criticised for permitting a group that is openly critical of Pope Francis to speak in his diocese.
The team behind Catholic Unscripted, Gavin Ashenden, Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert, are due to give “a weekend of talks, conversations, reflections, prayers and fellowship” in October at the diocese-owned Glencomeragh House in Co Waterford.
The group regularly criticises Pope Francis and recently claimed he has “deserted Jesus”.
The latest revelations of the extent of sexual abuse in Catholic schools is a further cause for shame. It is hard just now to estimate the extent of the damage this will do to the Church, and much more significantly, to the faith. As I write, the news and the media generally, are still dominated by reaction to what has emerged, and it largely consists of condemnation of Catholicism and all that it stands for.
