Purpose of the Chicago Conference: Topics and Process
A, Topics for discussion, in the hope that, from our different backgrounds and experience, we may find areas of agreement and collaboration:
- What aspects of Francis’ agenda do we think we can support, and how me might help to push these his agenda forward.
- Full participation of women in the Church; what would this full participation look like. Can we find a common position, even a statement, on women’s ordination?
- An assertion of the basic rights of all the baptised in the Church, in order to overcome the concentration of power exclusively with the ordained, and the problem of clericalism.
- With the decline in numbers of priests, and the closing of parishes, we will look at emerging models of ministry and Eucharistic celebrations.
- How can we best show solidarity with the LGBT community?
- To find ways to support and encourage our bishops to follow the lead of Francis to be more welcoming, compassionate and to engage in deeper dialogue with all Catholics, including those who have been historically excluded.
B, In this conference there will be no lectures or long presentations. It is our third international conference, and we aim to enter into deep dialogue, understanding our similarities and our differences, enjoying our diversity and finding common ground leading to common action. In this way we hope to strengthen our commitment, and energise our work, for Church reform.
C, In our meeting and sharing we try to mirror what we hope the Church of the future will be like, so we will emphasise inclusion of all with no discrimination. Through our sharing of experience and practice we will attempt to be messengers of good news.
D, Setup a communications structure to stay connected via email, skype etc.
International Church Reform network 