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Keywords: Synod

  • RELIGION

    In the chorus of Yes, why aren't the bishops joining in?

    • John Warhurst
    • 14 September 2023
    46 Comments

    As the Voice Referendum campaign intensifies, many Catholic groups rally behind the Voice. But Australia's church leaders remain above the fray, maintaining neutral positions. As the lines between faith, politics, and indigenous rights blur, should the bishops be more prescriptive on how to vote?

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  • RELIGION

    Catholic schools: Australia's ecclesial future?

    • John Warhurst
    • 15 August 2023
    43 Comments

    In Australia, Catholic schools are thriving amidst declining parishes. As the Synod on Synodality looms, can these institutions, grappling with a diverse, increasingly secular student body, reshape the future of the Catholic Church in Australia?

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  • RELIGION

    Synod working document encourages cautious optimism

    • John Warhurst
    • 05 July 2023
    11 Comments

    As the Vatican releases the working document for the first Synod on Synodality, reactions within the Catholic community are mixed. While many applaud its open approach to divisive issues, others deem it too progressive or insufficiently thorough. Australian bishops encourage engagement, but the road ahead poses significant challenges.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Fertilising the grass roots

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 29 June 2023
    2 Comments

    In the face of waning support for the Referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Pope Francis' mission of reconciliation within the Catholic Church, particularly through the Synodal process, inspires a more united and locally-engaged approach.

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  • RELIGION

    Synodality: 'Why did you doubt?'

    • Bill Uren
    • 29 June 2023
    10 Comments

    I must confess that in the lead-up to the first session in October 2023 of the Synod on Synodality, I more than a little resembled Peter. Embarking on synodal waters, initially I was apprehensive. Would anything substantial come of Pope Francis' initiative? 

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Recognition of Aboriginal rights: A contemporary Australian perspective

    • Frank Brennan
    • 05 June 2023
    19 Comments

    The wording of the proposed change to the Australian Constitution to enshrine a First Nations Voice might not be perfect. But whatever the imperfections and the risk of future complications, it is high time that Australia’s First Peoples were recognised in the Constitution in a manner sought and approved by a broad cross-section of Indigenous leaders.

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  • RELIGION

    A Church for everyone: In conversation with Phyllis Zagano

    • Michele Frankeni
    • 26 May 2023
    3 Comments

    In a discussion with Michele Frankeni, Catholic scholar Dr Phyllis Zagano explores the question of whether there is a need for increased recognition of women in the Catholic Church, particularly regarding their potential in the diaconate. She investigates both the historical evidence for ordained female deacons and the modern arguments for their re-introduction.

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  • RELIGION

    Behind the bold discussions of the German Synod

    • Susan Sullivan
    • 25 May 2023
    4 Comments

    In the final German Synodal Way assembly, the Church addressed difficult issues, openly discussing obligatory celibacy and blessing same-sex couples and divorced Catholics. The assembly pushed for Church teachings to adapt to individual congregations' realities, but how this approach will affect the global Church is unclear.

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  • RELIGION

    The First Synod: Procedure or reforms?

    • Bill Uren
    • 18 May 2023
    8 Comments

    The Vatican's recent refusal of proposed reforms in preparation for the Synod reflects not only the ongoing tension between the Vatican Curia and the German Church but also a reminder of the forces that aim to keep a tight lid on real synodal reforms.

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  • RELIGION

    The inside low-down on Pope Francis

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 23 March 2023
    10 Comments

    Pope Francis's ten-year papacy continues to surprise and puzzle observers measuring him by liberal and conservative polarities. But to understand his actions and words better, it's important to recognise that his framework is not derived from contemporary culture but from Christian faith. 

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  • RELIGION

    Catholic, female and struggling: Survey reveals women's desire for Church reform

    • David Halliday
    • 17 March 2023
    8 Comments

    Over 17,000 women worldwide have called for Church reform in a newly published survey by Catholic Women Speak Network. Respondents from 104 countries expressed dissatisfaction with a lack of transparency in governance and voiced the need to be seen, heard and valued. 

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  • RELIGION

    Cathedrals and caravans

    • John Honner
    • 27 February 2023
    3 Comments

    The word synodality may not be familiar to many, but it's a word that Pope Francis has been emphasising throughout his papacy. It refers to a Church that listens and travels together, with everyone having something to learn from one another. 

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