TOWARDS PROMOTING THEOLOGY:What does it mean for us?

Pope Francis is calling for a ‘paradigm shift’ in theology. Spirituality and theology must start in the various contexts and concrete situations in which we live. Theologians should allow themselves to be seriously challenged by reality, to discern the ‘signs of the times’ in the light of the gospel. (Apostolic Letter, November 2023, Towards Promoting Theology (Ad Theologiam Promovendam).

What does this mean for lay Catholics, parish clergy, and theologians?

Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, SJ, Nigerian theologian and Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, will discuss this question and its implications for the sense of faith of the faithful. He is well known for talks on the church and the fuller participation of women. A recent presentation focussed on how the church should be home for sisters and brothers who feel left out because of marginalization, patriarchy, or clericalism.

Andrea Dean, Chair of WATAC (Women and the Australian Church), will be our Moderator, drawing out Agbonkhianmeghe on relevant points and fielding questions from participants in a Q&A session. After years of working in Catholic schools, institutions, and agencies she finds herself (happily) on the fringe of the church. These days she finds joy in working in the community sector, seeing others flourish.