On 7 July, Catholic Religious Australia launched a series of online ‘conversations’ to explore The Light from the Southern Cross Report and to provide an opportunity for reflection and engagement with this landmark document, at a significant time in Church history and in light of the Plenary Council.

Around 150 people from around the country connected online for the first of these exploratory conversations, Mission and Church – amongst whom were Plenary Council members, Religious Leaders and teams, lay leaders in the Church, parishioners, educators, and others interested in the future of the Church.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective: Richard Lennan, co-author of the report, discussed the ecclesiology of Light from the Southern Cross. John Warhurst, also a co-author and a member of the Plenary Council, examined the contribution of the report to the Plenary Council “and beyond.” Melissa Dwyer FDCC, leader of the Canossian Daughters of Charity and a member of the Plenary Council spoke about “building bridges of encounter” through mission, inclusion and hope.

RICHARD LENNAN

MELISSA DWYER

JOHN WARHURST

“It was such an inspiration, so life-giving and so full of hope in a time when we in Australia need to move forward. All three presenters gave richly from their gifts and enabled us both, individually and collectively, to look with new eyes at ‘God’s Church’,” reported Anne Hill CSB, Victorian Community Leader, Brigidine Sisters, one of the participants.

“Each conversation seeks to be personally formative – a catalyst for change and renewal that leads us towards a transformed Church, changed and revitalised through our hearts, words and actions,” said Anne Walker, CRA National Executive Director, who facilitated the formation conversation, providing context and creating a ‘virtual’ space for conversation.

The speaker presentations were followed by a series of interactive group discussions and speaker responses, which opened the way for questions, such as: how might the Light from the Southern Cross change the Church in Australia; and why is this moment so crucial for the transformation of the Church in Australia?

The two other themes that will be explored as part of the catalyst for conversation series are: Synodality and Co-responsibility; and Accountability and Formation. The next two events will be held before the second assembly of the Plenary Council (July 2022).

A recording of the first half of the Mission and Church conversation is available here.