The structure of the Church remains hierarchical, paternalistic and almost exclusively male.
- Written by Frank Callus
Read all the Diocesan Reports Here: https://acalltoaction.org.uk/synod-2023/diocesan-synod-reports
It might seem premature to make any pronouncement on the synodal process at this stage, and yet, with the ink hardly dry from episcopal signatures we are entitled to wonder what we have learnt about ourselves, our Church, and its place in the society in which we live. The first, and most obvious point, is that the process was a success, at least in being held at all. A conversation across all the dioceses of England and Wales was and is an achievement. That it was conducted against a tight timeframe adds somewhat to that sense of achievement. We were reminded frequently of the unique position that we occupied – the first time the people of God have been consulted since the Council of Jerusalem.
This is both a cause for joy and concern: joy that it has happened, and concern that it has taken so long. Synodality has joined the lexicon of the Catholic Church; a concept that was at the heart of religious organisations, in terms of discerning their way forward, has been extended so as to enfranchise all the baptised. With it have come many of the misconceptions that accompany any sudden cultural change. It was presented as an opportunity for the bishops to listen to the people of God, but with the proviso that there were limits to what might be discussed. It was intended to be a period of reflection and maturation but frequently ended in hasty re-writes of a synthesis to meet a deadline. It should have been an opportunity to reach out to the many who no longer wish to journey with us.
John Wilkins - RIP
- Written by Frank Callus
John Wilkins
1936 -2022
John Wilkins’ death was announced earlier on Tuesday 26th April. The tributes to his work will emphasise, and rightly so, his work as Editor of The Tablet. Under his guidance the circulation increased and he ensured a balanced and lively mixture of articles.
Members of ACTA - A Call to Action - will remember John as a valued member of the leadership team from the earliest days of the organisation. With an eye for detail and an ear for the right tone of a press release, he was the consummate professional. His manner was gentle and he could be quietly spoken but there was a firmness of intellect that made itself felt. His generosity of spirit was evident in the way he used his many contacts [the BBC/ print journalism] to help to develop the media awareness of members. He managed the website and the press releases from the early days and his easy understanding of how to engage with his fellow professionals earned our respect, our admiration and thanks.
Any discussion of issues benefitted from his encyclopaedic knowledge, but that intelligence was balanced with a gentle amiability that touched many. Others have spoken of his infectious enthusiasm and his capacity to encourage and support others to flourish. He was a man who was generous of his skills, his experience, his capacity to engage.
The Trustees are aware of the debt we owe John for the all he did and all he encouraged to be done. For all this, and more, we extend to his family, friends and colleagues our deepest condolences at this time.
Rest in Peace
Frank Callus on behalf of the ACTA Trustees
A time of greeting, a time of wonder
- Written by Chris McDonnell
The days that follow Easter and the Resurrection share a common characteristic, they are days of wonder and a degree of apprehension. We are told that the disciples gathered in the upper room because they were fearful and yet in the Emmaus story, they were curious. “Didn’t our hearts our hearts warm within us?”
I want to reflect on those days that we are now experiencing through lines that I have written over the years about this period of time, words written as poems that also serve as meditative prayers or reflections.
Making Church Organization Fit For Purpose
- Written by Alex Walker
Reform-minded Catholics launch unofficial survey to give believers a chance to express their priorities for Church renewal, which the synodal process may have overlooked
Read More here: https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/making-church-organization-fit-for-purpose/15764
Go to Survey here>>> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BGVZK8Q
ACTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE SURVEY 2022
- Written by Alex Walker
Please help the Trustees prepare this years conference by completing this short survey:
ACTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022 SURVEY
The Trustees of ACTA met recently to discuss the National Conference in October 2022. Last year we canvassed the opinion of members about the options for a physical / virtual Conference We are issuing that survey again this year. The decision to have a physical Conference carries significant financial costs and risks [associated with late cancellation]
A National Conference may be held in Birmingham in late October 2022. The cost is likely to be £30 pp.
