Gerry O’Hanlon SJ Interview: Re-imagining the Church

At a recent symposium on synodality in Oxford University, a 70-year-old man exclaimed enthusiastically, “It’s the first time in my [church] life that I’ve been asked for my opinion!” So recounts theologian and author Gerry O’Hanlon SJ, in this interview with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications.

He talks to her about the symposium, entitled The Road to a Synodal Church: Insights and Experiences. which took place in Campion Hall, over 3 days in late March 2022. And he recounts the important input from a Jesuit canon lawyer regarding Pope Francis’ latest document on church reform which has significant implications for lay participation in the institutional church.

Dr O’Hanlon is also a member of the Irish church’s synodal committee and he talks about his work in that regard, and explains why he has real hope of change for the better in the future of the church because of this synodal process.

Link to interview: https://soundcloud.com/user1117541/a-hope-filled-time

Above courtesy of the Jesuit website https://www.jesuit.ie/news/re-imagining-the-church/

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3 Comments

  1. Joe O'Leary says:

    Gerry O’Hanlon SJ Interview: Re-imagining the Church

    So: Thanks Fr Gerry for the most inspiring message about synodality I have read, which also gives hope for a rejuvenated Irish church. Devotionalism is all very well, but common sense and intelligence are also church-building virtues. Exercised in open discussion they allow the Spirit to move where it will. More parrhesia, less fear and defeatism!

    Reply
  2. Pádraig McCarthy says:

    Gerry O’Hanlon SJ Interview: Re-imagining the Church

    As Joe says:”More parrhesia, less fear and defeatism!”
    Today (29 April) is the feast day of St Catherine of Siena. In her 33 years of life (1347-1380), despite opposition, she showed remarkable parrhesia in her work for the marginalised, for peace among states, and for unity in the church, even getting a pope to listen!
    We may not match her energy, but we can take encouragement from her example.

    Reply
  3. Joe O'Leary says:

    Gerry O’Hanlon SJ Interview: Re-imagining the Church

    Every diocese should produce a video like this, stamped with its own local character but also reflecting the diversity of the church worldwide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvOCdnHJ-fQn

    Reply

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