Hope and hanging in there
Irish Jesuit theologian Dr Gerry O’Hanlon SJ was one of the speakers at an open forum in Athlone, this November 2024, to assess the outcome of the recent Synod in Rome » The Association of Irish Priests (ACP) » hosted the event which was attended by priests from around the country, as well as women and representatives from ‘We Are Church Ireland’ » .
In this interview with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications, Gerry O’Hanlon shares the assessment of this final phase of Pope Francis’ synodal processes which he presented to those gathered in Athlone.
In what some might regard as a surprisingly hopeful take on what might emerge from this third phase of the synodal process, he roots out important aspects of the Synod documents that he says have been paid scant attention, particularly regarding the issue of the development of doctrine.
He also addresses the most controversial issues that were a significant part of the discussions in Rome as collated from lay groups from around the world – among them the role of women in the church, the ordination of women, and the Catholic Church’s ongoing stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Commenting on the lively and honest discussion in Athlone, he notes that the downbeat mood of the participants in the early morning gradually lifted as the day progressed.
