STATEMENT

Concerned Catholics ask where to from here?

7 April 2017

A group of concerned Catholics is holding a public meeting to explore how the Catholic laity in the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese can have an effective role and voice in the administration and direction of their Church.

We invite you to join us in discussion.

When
7:00pm for 7:30pm-9:30pm
Thursday 27 April 2017

Where
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACCC)
15 Blackall St, Cnr Kings Ave, BARTON ACT

Chair
Prof John Warhurst AO, Emeritus Professor Political Science ANU

Panel

  • Francis Sullivan, CEO Truth Justice and Healing Council
  • Hon Kristina Keneally, former Premier NSW, TV host Sky News, Director Gender Inclusion Macquarie Graduate School of Management
  • Marilyn Hatton, Convener Australian Catholic Coalition for Church Renewal

The Royal Commission has provided the grounds for profound system reform of the Church’s administration and of its clerical, male-dominated culture. Throughout the hearings the lack of transparency and accountability, the absence of competent lay participation, a culture of secrecy and non-disclosure was shown to be characteristic of Church administration and governance.

Moving from darkness into the light we seek initiation of significant reforms.

In a spirit of mutual responsibility for the growth of our local Catholic community in the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese we seek to explore:

  • New models for more effective lay participation
  • Effective vehicles for women's participation in key decision-making
  • Establishment of a laity-led Diocesan Pastoral Council, and
  • Agreement on a work program based on mutual partnership with the laity and our committed priests and religious to achieve a reform agenda.

The meeting is proposed as a constructive contribution in the spirit of mutual dialogue to the necessary deliberations of our Church as a consequence of the Royal Commission, to enable a future Church to be guided by the principles of inclusivity, transparency and accountability.

To sign national letter to bishops visit Catholics for Renewal: www.catholicsforrenewal.org/open-letter 

CONTACT: Mark Metherell concerned.catholics.cangbn@gmail.com, 0417 603 697