A letter from Root & Branch…

Dear Friend in Christ,

We at Root & Branch are emboldened by the efforts of so many individuals and groups like yours around the world with a common agenda of reforming the Catholic Church. You may not be aware of this, but we list you amongst our Friends on our website.

Pope Francis’s new synodal process is certainly strengthening the wind of change.  However, it’s essential that those outside the clerical structures such as yourself and the Root & Branchers are not only heard but taken seriously.

Momentum is building towards our inclusive Synod to be held in Bristol UK, from 5th to 12th September 2021 and on Zoom.

Our Synod is special in that it will facilitate ‘Unfettered discussion on All topics on equal terms’. The timing is perfect. Our concluding BristolText, produced by panels of experts after wide consultation with everyone registered with us, must become a key reference document to galvanise change in the Diocesan Phase of Pope Francis’s Synod which starts in October this year.

Our keynote speaker will be Mary McAleese who has devoted her retirement to challenging the Catholic church on homophobia and misogyny. She will be supported by an eclectic mix of distinguished international contributors.

The event comprises two stages:

1 Creating the Bristol Text to Reform, 5-8 September (evenings only) Zoom only,

on the topics of:

1 Redefining and reclaiming of ministry

2 Embracing of diversity

3 Rethinking moral theology

4 Insisting on sharing authority

2 Casting Out Our Fear – the Way Forward, 10-12 September, in Bristol and on Zoom, during which speakers will address how to put our work into action.

Ultimately, for better or for worse, the success of the Root & Branch Inclusive Synod and the weight afforded to the Bristol Text will depend in part upon the number of participants. So we are doing everything that we can to publicise it.

Zoom tickets are incredibly reasonable and we would be so very grateful if you could help us by circulating this message as widely as possible, putting it on your website, and generally banging the drum. We are all volunteers and all costs have to be raised by donations and ticket sales.

Tickets are now on sale at www.rootandbranchsynod.org

Those interested in the future direction of the Catholic Church are urged to sign up and ‘Be Heard.’

With very best wishes,

Francis Hunter and Margaret Godfrey

On behalf of Root & Branch

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