Issue 327
Theology Forum conference
by Mary Cullen
Following last year’s Open House conference on Scotland’s synodal journey, people with an interest in theology got together to form a Scottish Catholic Theology Forum.
It aims to promote dialogue; create a platform for theological reflection and discernment in the light of Vatican II; and foster a synodal style of church in which lay and ordained can listen and learn from one another.
Some members of the forum have formal qualifications in theology, some don’t. All of them have a shared commitment to the life of the church.
You are warmly invited to join them at the forum’s first conference on Saturday 14 June, which will be held in the Archdiocese of Glasgow’s Eyre Hall at 196 Clyde St, Glasgow G1 4JY, from 11am to 3.30pm. Doors will be open from 10.30am.
A theology of synodality
Synodality was the path on which Pope Francis set the church. The world in which we live, he said, which we are called to love and serve, demands that the church strengthens co-operation in all areas of its mission. It is precisely this path of synodality which ‘God expects of the church of the third millennium’ (Address commemorating the 50th anniversary of the synod of bishops, 2015).
Dr Tom Magill, theologian and retired priest of Motherwell diocese will open the conference and lead the first session, which will consider how we get to a theology of synodality. The second session will reflect on synodality as a mark of the church, and the third session, after lunch, will be led by three women who will offer their perspectives.
Each of the three sessions will include round table ‘conversations in the Spirit’ where participants respond to what they have heard and identify two or three actions that could be taken forward in Scotland. It promises to be a fascinating day.
Getting there and booking :
The nearest train stations are Glasgow Central, Queen St and Argyle St. St Enoch subway station is a short walk away. There is also a multi-strorey car park adjacent to Eyre Hall
There are many food outlets nearby for lunch, or you can bring a packed lunch.
Tea and coffee will be available.
Tickets cost £15 and £10 for non waged. Book with Eventbrite here:
Dr Mary Cullen is editor of Open House.