LIVING THE CATHOLIC FAITH IN THE 3RD MILLENIUM
A LAYMAN'S LOOK AT THE JOURNEY OF FAITH
Church Reform
A HISTORY OF CAFETERIA CATHOLICISM
From Catholica.com.au, an interesting take on how the dissent of many of our saints and martyrs have shaped Catholicism into the Church that we know today.
From Catholica.com.au, an interesting take on how the dissent of many of our saints and martyrs have shaped Catholicism into the Church that we know today.
CAFETERIA CHRISTIANITY IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
When people ask questions like 'Why do we pick and choose our religious beliefs?' they usually don’t mean 'we' but 'they.'
When people ask questions like 'Why do we pick and choose our religious beliefs?' they usually don’t mean 'we' but 'they.'
COULD REFORM OF THE CHURCH MEAN SCHISM?
If there was ever a time for the hierarchy to recognize its collective failure and accept the fact that they are all in this together, that time is now.
If there was ever a time for the hierarchy to recognize its collective failure and accept the fact that they are all in this together, that time is now.
DOES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH NEED TO BE CHANGED?
Meet the man who wants Pope Francis to shake up the Catholic Church - Hans Kung.
Meet the man who wants Pope Francis to shake up the Catholic Church - Hans Kung.
IS IT OK TO BE A CAFETERIA CATHOLIC?
Evangelization requires real dialogue in the church—as well as an open door to those on imperfect journeys of faith.
Evangelization requires real dialogue in the church—as well as an open door to those on imperfect journeys of faith.
MORE CATHOLIC THAN THE POPE
The truth is all Catholics are cafeteria Catholics. Conservative Catholics were quite willing to ignore John Paul's and Benedict's strong statements on justice and peace, and progressive Catholics are happy to ignore Francis' opposition to women priests
The truth is all Catholics are cafeteria Catholics. Conservative Catholics were quite willing to ignore John Paul's and Benedict's strong statements on justice and peace, and progressive Catholics are happy to ignore Francis' opposition to women priests
THE CATHOLIC STORY, CONSERVATIVE VS. PROGRESSIVE
Jesuit Fr. Tom Reese responds to a conservative history of Catholicism over the past 50 years, beginning with Vatican II.
Jesuit Fr. Tom Reese responds to a conservative history of Catholicism over the past 50 years, beginning with Vatican II.
THE POLITICAL CRISIS OF "CONSERVATIVE CATHOLICISM"
When faith is harnessed to a political ideology, it withers. And something truly terrifying can occur; believers can confuse the ideology with faith itself.
When faith is harnessed to a political ideology, it withers. And something truly terrifying can occur; believers can confuse the ideology with faith itself.
WAS IT BETTER BACK THEN?
The reduction of Catholic tradition to an imaginary medieval Catholicism has significant consequences for the intellectual life of the Catholic Church in the United States, and for the way it perceives and responds to the social and cultural changes of the last fifty years.
The reduction of Catholic tradition to an imaginary medieval Catholicism has significant consequences for the intellectual life of the Catholic Church in the United States, and for the way it perceives and responds to the social and cultural changes of the last fifty years.
WHY WE CAME. WHY WE LEFT. WHY WE STAYED
The reasons people join the church and remain in it are as complicated and various as the reasons others leave it. If nothing else, the decision to belong to the church and believe in its claims is not a trivial one.
The reasons people join the church and remain in it are as complicated and various as the reasons others leave it. If nothing else, the decision to belong to the church and believe in its claims is not a trivial one.
AN OPEN LETTER TO CARDINAL CUPICH
On the eve of the Vatican Conference in Rome on abuse prevention, Catholic Reform groups have come together to write an open letter to Cardinal Cupich, one of America's chef envoys, urging specific actions to issues that need to be addressed.On the eve of the Vatican Conference in Rome on abuse prevention, Catholic Reform groups have come together to write an open letter to Cardinal Cupich, one of America's chef envoys, urging specific actions to issues that need to be addressed.
On the eve of the Vatican Conference in Rome on abuse prevention, Catholic Reform groups have come together to write an open letter to Cardinal Cupich, one of America's chef envoys, urging specific actions to issues that need to be addressed.On the eve of the Vatican Conference in Rome on abuse prevention, Catholic Reform groups have come together to write an open letter to Cardinal Cupich, one of America's chef envoys, urging specific actions to issues that need to be addressed.
CARDINAL NICHOLS; POPE FRANCIS' TOUGHNESS WILL SEE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THROUGH REFORMS
'Creating space for a variety of pastoral responses is not decentralization. It’s a response to the realities in which people live.'
'Creating space for a variety of pastoral responses is not decentralization. It’s a response to the realities in which people live.'
CHURCH REFORM FROM BELOW; AN INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP FRANK CAGGIANO
Whether it’s really reform or just renewal, everyone must adopt more of a stance of dialogue and listening with the heart.
Whether it’s really reform or just renewal, everyone must adopt more of a stance of dialogue and listening with the heart.
CHURCH REFORM REQUIRES DECENTRALIZATION, SYNODALITY
On the agenda of the most recent meeting of the Council of Cardinals was what might be the most important issue in the reform of the Roman Curia -- the decentralization of decision-making in the church.
On the agenda of the most recent meeting of the Council of Cardinals was what might be the most important issue in the reform of the Roman Curia -- the decentralization of decision-making in the church.
DIALOGICAL DISTURBANCES BY DESIGN
For those of us committed to transforming the organization of the Roman Catholic Church, we now have evidence for an effective strategy.
For those of us committed to transforming the organization of the Roman Catholic Church, we now have evidence for an effective strategy.
DISSENT AND DIALOGUE IN THE CHURCH
Dissent in the church is as old as the argument between St. Peter and St. Paul described by Paul himself in Galatians. Another account is also given in the Acts of the Apostles.
Dissent in the church is as old as the argument between St. Peter and St. Paul described by Paul himself in Galatians. Another account is also given in the Acts of the Apostles.
INVITED OR NOT, HERE THEY COME
'Every action creates a reaction.' So there you have it. That's exactly what's going on in the church right now.
'Every action creates a reaction.' So there you have it. That's exactly what's going on in the church right now.
WHEN NOT IN ROME
The word periphery has an interesting history; it was part of a formula conceived by Yves Congar, O.P., when he published his important book True and False Reform in the Church in 1950. This book argued that authentic reform in and of the church comes about most effectively when the “center” is attentive to ecclesial life on the “periphery” and that this mutual responsiveness is achieved most effectively through councils
The word periphery has an interesting history; it was part of a formula conceived by Yves Congar, O.P., when he published his important book True and False Reform in the Church in 1950. This book argued that authentic reform in and of the church comes about most effectively when the “center” is attentive to ecclesial life on the “periphery” and that this mutual responsiveness is achieved most effectively through councils
NARROWING THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH
Who counts as an “authentic Catholic”? When a beleaguered minority rejects others and isolates itself, the result is weakness and fragmentation instead of strength through communion
Who counts as an “authentic Catholic”? When a beleaguered minority rejects others and isolates itself, the result is weakness and fragmentation instead of strength through communion
THEOLOGIAN SAYS CHURCH NEEDS BOTH SYNODALITY AND PRIMACY
In the Eastern Churches, the synod is an important law-making body, but in the Synod of Bishops it is a purely advisory body for the universal Church, under the direction of the pope.
In the Eastern Churches, the synod is an important law-making body, but in the Synod of Bishops it is a purely advisory body for the universal Church, under the direction of the pope.
IS THE DECLINE OF RELIGION THE DECLINE OF GENEROSITY?
Sure, religious households give more money away than unaffiliated households. But do they ever question why poverty and hunger and homelessness continue to soar in this supposedly "rich" country?
Sure, religious households give more money away than unaffiliated households. But do they ever question why poverty and hunger and homelessness continue to soar in this supposedly "rich" country?
ADVOCACY AND EXILE: ROY BOURGEOIS AND THE FIGHT FOR WOMEN’S ORDINATION
It has been seven years since Roy Bourgeois was laicized and excommunicated from the Catholic Church for advocating for women’s equality.
It has been seven years since Roy Bourgeois was laicized and excommunicated from the Catholic Church for advocating for women’s equality.
PROHIBITION ON WOMEN PRIESTS COULD BRING ABOUT 'SLOW DEATH' OF CHURCH
An Irish government minister has warned that Catholicism’s prohibition on women priests is “brazen discrimination” and could bring about the Church’s “slow death”.
An Irish government minister has warned that Catholicism’s prohibition on women priests is “brazen discrimination” and could bring about the Church’s “slow death”.
THE RETROGRADE INTRANSIGENCE OF CONSERVATIVE CATHOLICS
If there were any doubts that Pope Francis is a stealth reformer of the Roman Catholic Church, the apostolic exhortation, "The Joy of Love" should settle the matter.
If there were any doubts that Pope Francis is a stealth reformer of the Roman Catholic Church, the apostolic exhortation, "The Joy of Love" should settle the matter.
IT TAKES MORE THAN A GREAT REFORMER TO REFORM THE CHURCH
Today's Catholics are more ideologically diverse from each other and in some countries they are even quite polarized politically. Culture, agendas, history stand in the way of the most able of popes.
Today's Catholics are more ideologically diverse from each other and in some countries they are even quite polarized politically. Culture, agendas, history stand in the way of the most able of popes.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH NEEDS A RADICALLY TRADITIONAL REVOLUTION
If Catholics knew their own history and knew a bit about their sister churches in the East, they would know that the structural reforms they desperately need today are already being lived out in other Christian bodies.
If Catholics knew their own history and knew a bit about their sister churches in the East, they would know that the structural reforms they desperately need today are already being lived out in other Christian bodies.
FRANCIS OF ASSISI'S MODEL FOR CHURCH REFORM MAY HELP IN THE ABUSE CRISIS
Pope Francis' namesake from Assisi offers church leaders a useful hermeneutic for interpreting Christ's exhortation to us today: repair the church, for as you see, it is falling apart!
Pope Francis' namesake from Assisi offers church leaders a useful hermeneutic for interpreting Christ's exhortation to us today: repair the church, for as you see, it is falling apart!
DAN BERRIGAN LIVED THE GOSPEL AS IF IT WERE TRUE
Saints are often people who live out their Christianity in a way that seems ridiculous or even scandalous.
Saints are often people who live out their Christianity in a way that seems ridiculous or even scandalous.
CALL TO ACTION — THE 'LOYAL LEFT OPPOSITION'— REORGANIZES AMID AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
While much is dying among church institutions, new growth is happening too.
While much is dying among church institutions, new growth is happening too.
YOUNGER PROGRESSIVE CATHOLICS READY TO 'REGENERATE' CALL TO ACTION
This is part two of a three-part series on Call to Action... These millennial Catholics may change the organization as they take over.
This is part two of a three-part series on Call to Action... These millennial Catholics may change the organization as they take over.
AT CALL TO ACTION, YOUNGER LEADERS ARE REIMAGINING CHURCH REFORM
While internal church reform issues "aren't irrelevant," there is a much greater desire to advance social justice and bring about the kingdom of God that way.
While internal church reform issues "aren't irrelevant," there is a much greater desire to advance social justice and bring about the kingdom of God that way.
EVERYBODY WANTS A REVOLUTION, BUT NOBODY WANTS TO DO THE DISHES
What is needed is a perhaps more sober and less triumphant grappling with the way institutional change actually takes place.
What is needed is a perhaps more sober and less triumphant grappling with the way institutional change actually takes place.
WHEN IT COMES TO CHURCH REFORM, DESPAIR IS NOT AN OPTION
Through the power of the Spirit of God our dry decaying bones will rise again.
Through the power of the Spirit of God our dry decaying bones will rise again.
DANIEL BERRIGAN, 'PATRON SAINT OF THE NAY-SAYERS'
Three years after his death, Daniel Berrigan, activist, priest and poet among many other things, still casts a long shadow...
Three years after his death, Daniel Berrigan, activist, priest and poet among many other things, still casts a long shadow...
LAY PEOPLE IN THE RENEWAL OF THE CHURCH
Real reform happens when lay people, who are the vast majority of the Church, assimilate and live it, when the "living stones" of the Church are renewed in holiness.
Real reform happens when lay people, who are the vast majority of the Church, assimilate and live it, when the "living stones" of the Church are renewed in holiness.
FROM ZERO TO 2020 IN 83 YEARS: POPE PUTS HIS FOOT DOWN
As the seventh anniversary of his pontificate fast approaches, Pope Francis is putting his foot on the accelerator as he presses ahead with Church reforms.
As the seventh anniversary of his pontificate fast approaches, Pope Francis is putting his foot on the accelerator as he presses ahead with Church reforms.
CHANGE AND REFORM: UNPACKING POPE FRANCIS CHRISTMAS ADDRESS TO THE CURIA
This year, the pope’s talk focused on the need to fight rigidity and be open to change.
This year, the pope’s talk focused on the need to fight rigidity and be open to change.
CHANGING THE CHURCH DEPENDS ON LAYPEOPLE
How late political theorist Jerome Kerwin can help solve the church's modern crises
How late political theorist Jerome Kerwin can help solve the church's modern crises
NEW YEAR, NEW DECADE AND A NEW CHANCE FOR CHURCH RENEWAL
As Christians, we are inherently a hopeful people that are called to deepen our faith and grow in our understanding of that faith.
As Christians, we are inherently a hopeful people that are called to deepen our faith and grow in our understanding of that faith.
FROM JANSENISM TO HUMANAE VITAE: THE LONG HISTORY OF CATHOLIC DISSENT
Lessons from these conflicts that generally hold true regarding dissent in early modern and modern Catholicism.
Lessons from these conflicts that generally hold true regarding dissent in early modern and modern Catholicism.
‘CRISIS’: THE KEY WORD FOR THE REFORM OF THE CHURCH
If there is one word that sums up in a nutshell what the world is experiencing, it is “crisis.” The crisis is no longer a commonplace of conversations and of the intellectual establishment; it has become a reality shared by all.
If there is one word that sums up in a nutshell what the world is experiencing, it is “crisis.” The crisis is no longer a commonplace of conversations and of the intellectual establishment; it has become a reality shared by all.
CONTEMPLATING TRUE AND FALSE REFORM IN THE CHURCH WITH SEMINARIANS
Being proactive in supporting and reforming the clergy ought to be considered alongside seminary reform to ensure continuing formation beyond ordination.
Being proactive in supporting and reforming the clergy ought to be considered alongside seminary reform to ensure continuing formation beyond ordination.
RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY: THE STATE OF CHURCH REFORM
If there are stalwart reformers... we might nonetheless reasonably wonder whether they have the wherewithal to bring about meaningful reform.
If there are stalwart reformers... we might nonetheless reasonably wonder whether they have the wherewithal to bring about meaningful reform.
CHURCH REFORM - SYNODALITY TAKES FLIGHT
In what is potentially the boldest move since the second Vatican Council, Pope Francis has announced a two-year-long, Church-wide process of consultation and discernment.
In what is potentially the boldest move since the second Vatican Council, Pope Francis has announced a two-year-long, Church-wide process of consultation and discernment.
WHY WE PROTEST - PAYING ATTENTION IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD JUSTICE
Expecting a specific policy proposal from a protest misses the point. Fundamentally, protests are about mourning and remembrance.
Expecting a specific policy proposal from a protest misses the point. Fundamentally, protests are about mourning and remembrance.
CATHOLIC CHURCH IS FAILING TO EMBRACE REFORM
The Catholic Church has yet to make positive progress towards being able truly to listen to the voices of minority voices and the laity as a whole...
The Catholic Church has yet to make positive progress towards being able truly to listen to the voices of minority voices and the laity as a whole...
POPE AT 85: NO MORE MR NICE GUY, AS REFORM HITS STRIDE
After spending the first eight years of his papacy gently nudging Catholic hierarchs to embrace financial prudence and responsible governance, Francis got tough, and appears poised to keep it that way.
After spending the first eight years of his papacy gently nudging Catholic hierarchs to embrace financial prudence and responsible governance, Francis got tough, and appears poised to keep it that way.
CHRISTOPHER LAMB ON THE CHURCH’S RADICAL REFORM
The premiere podcast installment by Christopher Lamb of a series dedicated to the global synod and Pope Francis’s vision for a global Church.
The premiere podcast installment by Christopher Lamb of a series dedicated to the global synod and Pope Francis’s vision for a global Church.
TOWARD A “DEEP REFORM” OF THE CHURCH
The need for reform in the Church, the role that synodality might play in it, and the dangers of the abuse of religion in politics.
The need for reform in the Church, the role that synodality might play in it, and the dangers of the abuse of religion in politics.
THE REFORM WAS REAL: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE AT VATICAN II
Contrary to those who fear that the magisterium is undermined by any hint of discontinuity, the ability to change, self-correct, and sometimes even repent increases the credibility of the Church.
Contrary to those who fear that the magisterium is undermined by any hint of discontinuity, the ability to change, self-correct, and sometimes even repent increases the credibility of the Church.
TRADITIONALISTS, REFORM AND WOMEN
More Catholics in more cultures are better educated and less willing to put up with autocratic clerics, especially amid ongoing — even increasing — sex and money scandals.
More Catholics in more cultures are better educated and less willing to put up with autocratic clerics, especially amid ongoing — even increasing — sex and money scandals.
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