FutureChurch

Michele Dillon, Ph.D.,  Professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire and expert in autonomy and authority in the Catholic Church discusses the hiearchy's use of euphemization to both downplay the tragedy of the clergy abuse crisis and coverup and to maintain their own power and prohibit women from leadership and ministerial roles. Click here to register for future calls.   

Canon lawyer, Tom Doyle, offers invaluable insight from his 35 years of experience working for justice for victim-survivors and their families into how canon law upholds a clerical system and culture in the Church, which perpetuates a cycle of abuse and coverup. He discuss which canons in particular lay a foundation for clericalism and argues that the entire church structure -- including canon law -- must be radically reformed if the violence and abuse of people and power is to stop. Click here to register for future calls. 

Author and journalist Thomas Reese, SJ provides an overview of the clergy sex abuse crisis, assessing the effectiveness of steps that have already been taken, reflecting on the latest developments, and outlining the challenges and opportunities ahead as we seek to move from a culture of clericalism to a culture of synodality in the Church. Fr. Reese also takes listener questions about the crisis and how lay people hold Church officials -- at every level -- accountable. This teleconference was the first in the series "Power to the People: From Clericalism to Collaboration" throughout 2019. Click here to register for future calls. 

Professor Thomas O'Loughlin shares his expertise regarding the historical theology of the Eucharist.  He shows the developments until now and helps restore the original understanding of the Eucharist as giving thanks to God. 
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Sisters Andrea Koverman, Leslie Keener, and Julia Walsh share their insights and hopes for the future of religious life from the perspective of young Catholic sisters.