MISSION statement: Revised 2026

We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ’s Church and a desire to be part of the synodal renewal it needs.
 
Inspired by the legacy of the Second Vatican Council, and the call to Synodality for the Church of the third millennium, we want to contribute fully to the life of our Church so that it may be a more effective and inclusive sign of the Kingdom of God.
 
To enable this, we wish to promote listening, dialogue and receptivity within the Church, and with all people of good will, open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
 
Accordingly, we aim to facilitate opportunities to share experiences, practices and insights to discern our hopes and aims for the Church in the world today.

THEOLOGY statement:

ACTA is a movement built from below by clergy and laity alike in every diocese in England and Wales. It exists to give those people an effective voice. It is an instrument to establish and promote space for a trusting dialogue within a hierarchically structured people’s Church.
 
ACTA believes that the reforms of the Second Vatican Council are the only way forward for mission to modern society. It is not a small chapel of selected followers; it believes in the Church as a “big tent”, with open doors. As a free and representative association of believers, it seeks to liberate the expertise in the ranks, so as to bring added energy and witness to the Church in the world.

Synodality Lab

Written by: Alex Walker

Our Synodality Lab, a new space for those who have completed Synodality 101 / Facilitating Conversations in the Spirit, or equivalent formation, is beginning tomorrow, Tuesday 29 September at 2pm UK time (BST/GMT+1).  The space will suit those with this kind of previous experience and who would value continuing to learn with others.

 

Many of you are endeavouring to practice synodality in your parishes, dioceses and communities. Along the way, there have been moments of real fruitfulness, as well as questions, challenges and perhaps some things that haven’t gone quite as expected. We’ve heard from many of you that it would be helpful to have a space to bring these experiences and continue learning together.

 

Synodality Lab will be an ongoing reflective practice space, meeting every two months. It will offer an opportunity to:

  •      share experiences of practicing synodality

  •      reflect together on what we are learning — and what is proving difficult

  •      learn from one another’s experience and wisdom

  •      explore particular themes or challenges that emerge from our practice

  •      occasionally hear input from someone invited to help open up a particular area for reflection

 

This isn’t another course. It’s a space to bring what is actually happening — the questions, discoveries, struggles and surprises — and to reflect on them together in the spirit of synodality.

 

We hope it will become a place where we can support one another, deepen our practice and grow together.