Articles

"Francis says he wants to promote a healthy decentralization of the church. And it is hard to think of anything that currently is more centralized than Rome’s appointment of bishops around the world." (Robert Mickens NCR)

Teresa Mee finds deep spirituality and companionship in an Irish community of artists and writers.

What do conscience, justice and mercy require of us in regard to the participation of those in same-sex relationships in any public aspect of lay ministry in the church? Sean O’Conaill states a very personal view.

"Do we realize the price we are paying for an un-called-for and unhealthy failure to speak?"
"What happens to the church when it is separated from a living theology?"
"Do we realize what happens to our theology when it is separated from the living church?"

"Is it possible that the seminary is not the place for priestly formation? Diarmaid Martin, speaking on the radio, suggested that it is not, that those who wish to be priests should be assigned to a parish on an apprenticeship basis with built-in periods for...

Sean O’Conaill reviews a study of the barriers to an alliance of people of faith with environmental activists and those seeking social justice on the political ‘left’.

Pope Francis has announced he will create a commission to study the possibility of allowing women to serve as
deacons in the Catholic church (Source: NCR)

"After three very uplifting and incredible years under the prophetic leadership and compelling personal witness of Pope Francis, many reform-minded Catholics have again become quite worried about the future direction of their church." Robert Mickens (NCR)

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Synod delegate Ainead Ní Mhuirthile, gathers her immediate thoughts following the conclusion of the 3-day Synod event in Limerick.

Ainead Ni Mhuirthile writes, " It has been quite a journey. A lot of work, time and energy. A massive undertaking on the part of the Diocese. And in the first instance, a courageous initiative on the part of our Bishop to embark on this large-scale consultative process which may yet yield fruit …

Maire Ni Duibhir argues passionately for a re-evaluation and re-visioning of the role of women in the church.

Teresa Mee considers the problem of moving from the passivity caused by the power of the clerical church institution, to the active rebuilding of the church as a community.