The Quiet Revolution

Posted on 19. Jul, 2018, in Baptism, Christian Values, Church Teachings, Young peopleComments Off on The Quiet Revolution

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Irish theologian Gerry O’Hanlon SJ examines the work and statements of Pope Francis saying that he wants to bring about a quiet revolution within the Catholic Church. He says that he wants to go back over 1000 years to a church which was more inclusive and and driven by the laity, essentially a ‘synodal’ church.

He considers the Pope’s strategy of a changed structure as one that would out-live his own pontificate. Francis advocates a critical openness to modern culture, with an emphasis on debate and dialogue. O’Hanlon argues that this project offers new hope of a better reading of the `signs of the times’ by the Catholic Church, not least in areas of sexuality of gender. The author applies this analysis to our situation in Ireland. He suggests that while a spiritual renewal from the upcoming papal visit is desirable, he hopes that a more long lasting change might be the realisation of a synodal Irish Catholic Church.

Pat Coyle asked more about this revolution.