synod

Our Shared Point of Reference

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the Eucharist as the only sure foundation of unity in the Church: “If the Church is in need of unity, turn to the… Read More

How is the Church governed?

A question that keeps coming up for me regarding the synod on synodality is, “What do you mean by X?” X could be lay participation; women’s decision-making; hierarchical ministry; governance;… Read More

What Can We Call It?

“What is an experience that you have had at Catholic University that exemplifies for you what it means to be Catholic?”  This was the penultimate question of Catholic U’s synod… Read More

The German Response

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the recent response of Bishop Georg Bätzing to concerns about the German Church’s “Synodal Path.” “For all the talk about the need for… Read More

The Synod Comes to Catholic University

Stephen White of Catholic University writes about Catholic University’s engagement in the synod on synodality: “If synodality is meant to be ‘Lumen Gentium put more fully into practice,’ then it… Read More

The Global Synod at Catholic University

(Media Release, February 15, 2022) The Catholic University of America is fully engaging in the global synod process called for by Pope Francis, beginning with a public conversation on Feb. 28… Read More

Sufjan Stevens, C.S. Lewis, and the Synod

I went to a Sufjan Stevens concert in Philadelphia about ten years ago. It was his tour for The Age of Adz but he played some of his older stuff… Read More

Listening is an Act of Love

The first time I heard the phrase, “Listening is an act of love,” was when I started listening to Storycorps on NPR, probably over ten years ago. The first time… Read More

What’s at Stake with the Synod?

Stephen White of Catholic University writes about the ongoing “synod on synodality” in the Catholic Church. “The mission of the Church is nothing less than the proclamation of the Gospel… Read More

Speaking of the Synod

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the synod preparatory document released this week. “Why then don’t our shepherds speak and write in a way that is recognizably Christian! When… Read More

Synodality is what you make of it

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the concept of synodality as the Church prepares for the “synod on the synod.” “Concerns about the pitfalls or potential abuses of synodality… Read More

For Their Sake and for Ours…

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the Youth Synod, in view of the sexual abuse crisis. “I’ve said before: If reform does not come from and through the pope… Read More