Assembled by Catholic Church Reform International (CCRI) for the 2023 Synod Bishops https://catholicchurchreformintl.org
October 2021 – May 2022
Introduction
On October 10, 2021 Pope Francis officially launched the Vatican's two-year synod process in an opening Mass where he urged the global Catholic Church to master the "art of encounter."
"Everything changes once we are capable of genuine encounters with [Jesus] and with one another, without formalism or pretense, but simply as we are," said Francis in a homily in St. Peter's Basilica.
The "art of encounter," said Francis, is marked by listening and seeking to understand the other.
This is a "time to look others in the eye and listen to what they have to say, to build rapport, to be sensitive to the questions of our sisters and brothers," Francis said.
In this spirit, Catholic Church Reform International (CCRI) invited members from its local Eucharistic communities to gather together to talk about the “good, the bad, and the ugly” in the Catholic Church and offer suggestions for how to "Keep us from becoming a 'museum church,' beautiful but mute, with much past and little future." — Pope Francis
It is towards this end that we offer the stories contained herein. We hope that you will, like Jesus, “listen not just with the ears, but with the heart. When we follow Jesus in listening with the heart, people feel they are being heard, not judged; they feel free to recount their own experiences and their spiritual journey.” – Pope Francis
“Let us not soundproof our hearts; let us not remain barricaded in our certainties,” he pleaded. Instead, “Let us listen to one another.”
May your journey be enhanced, and your heart be moved, by these stories.
Read more: The Art of Encounter: Catholics Tell Our Stories of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly
We envision a Church that follows “the way of Jesus.” It is one which places itself in service to all, lives out a message of love, justice, and peace, and is a truly synodal church wherein the faithful have a place at the table and a voice in governing and in ministries. We are the People of God on a pilgrim journey with equality, inclusiveness, and mutuality as an integral part of our community. The hierarchical structure of the Church must be integrated with the sensus fidelium.
Social Justice
Jesus taught that to have life we must do two things: love God and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-40). This is our primary calling as Christians: to love one another, to stand in solidarity with the poor, the less fortunate, immigrants seeking refuge from tyranny, and the like. Yet, this is not a message often heard from the pulpit. Rarely do we hear homilies that loving a neighbor means confronting oppression, racism, inequality, or poverty, and working to alleviate these burdens. Rarely do we hear about how this great commandment of love translates to a commandment of bringing about the kingdom in real life by ending social ills that starve and subjugate brothers and sisters.
The Catholic Church works for justice through many organizations, Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services among them, in addition to the multitude of programs and services supported and sustained within dioceses throughout the world. Since the late 1800’s, popes have written encyclicals on workers’ rights, civil rights, immigration, climate change, etc. Catholic writers also address justice issues. Catholic sisters are on the front lines as strong advocates and role models. But many priests avoid promoting social justice actions fearful of disturbing some of their wealthy parishioners.
Read more: Our Vision for the Church We Want to See in Today’s World
Development/Updating of Doctrines
- Update and develop doctrines/teachings/theology/liturgy in light of contemporary scripture scholarship and theology (i.e., original sin; at-one-ment not atonement) and in light of today’s scientific knowledge (i.e., cosmology; human biology) will be promoted. The doctrine of original sin will be re-framed as a doctrine of original blessing. Doctrinal teaching will always consider the effect of that belief on people’s lives.
- Update the church's moral theology/sexual ethics with consideration of the latest science regarding sexuality
- The Clergy will have ongoing education regarding new theological insights underpinning church doctrine.
- Promote openness and acknowledge past sins and mistakes (i.e. sexual abuses and the subsequent cover-ups) with appropriate humble liturgies.
Read more: Dreams of Our Community for the Church We Want to See in Today’s World
Interview with Joseph Healey in the “Anchor” Program (Catholic Church Reform Int'l -- CCRI Podcast Episode No. 6). 19 September, 2019. 29:05 minutes. Father Joe Healey, MM explains the growth of Small
Communities of Young People (YPSCCs). Often the starting point is not the Bible or faith but their present life experiences. We need to tap into young people’s hunger for community and their passion for social justice issues like climate justice, gun control
and diversity. A vast number of young people are moving away from the Institutional Church and finding that the best expression of their values and their Christianity is much more through social justice, climate justice, environmental issues, immersion programs, demonstrations (marches, protests, etc.) and other advocacy outreaches.. They want to share their experiences in some kind of small community setting. The future of the Catholic Church for today's Millennials and Generation Z may well include some model of Young People Small Christian Communities (YPSCCs). Available on: