MISSION statement:

We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ's Church and our anxiety about its future. Still inspired by the Second Vatican Council, we want to contribute fully to the life of our Church so that we may be a more effective sign of the Kingdom of God. To do this, we believe that an atmosphere of openness and dialogue both with each other and with our church leadership needs developing. Accordingly, we aim to supply channels of free and frank communication. We desire to help create a climate of trust and respect for all where this dialogue may be fostered.

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.

Where do we go from here?

Written by: Alex Walker

This coming year, ACTA celebrates the 10th anniversary of the first National Delegates Conference in  May 2013 at Hinsley Hall. It is an appropriate moment to reflect on its future role in a synodal  Church. 

A Zoom meeting has been set up for 7.30 pm Thursday 1st December 2022. It will be open to all  members, coordinators and trustees. Papers from several members are in preparation and will be  distributed in the coming weeks. 

Registration is essential. In a document dated January 2014, the late Fr Gerry Hughes SJ wrote: “I have been thinking a bit  about where we in ACTA should go from here” The Trustees, too, have been thinking along similar  lines. 

ACTA came into existence to support honest and respectful dialogue between clergy, religious and  the laity, just as Pope Francis was being elected Pontiff. The development of the synodal process,  culminating in the ongoing Synod on Synodality, begins to create something of the environment that  the original members of ACTA were hoping to create. 

Please complete this form if you wish to attend:

[Form zoom not found!]