Organised by the Australian Catholic Theological Assocation, whose committee consists of four ACU theologians, the online and in-person event will address four of the eight themes that make up the Framework for Motions, to be considered at the Second Assembly of the Plenary Council next month.

Panellists will discuss the sections on: Reconciliation: Healing Wounds, Receiving Gifts; Called by Christ – Sent Forth as Missionary Disciples; Formation and Leadership for Mission and Ministry; and At the Service of Communion, Participation, and Mission: Governance.

The event’s facilitator, Dr Heaney, said the Second Vatican Council was groundbreaking because bishops and theologians worked in sync towards a grace-filled renewal of the Catholic Church.

And while numerous theologians were consulted during the Plenary Council, Dr Heaney said theological formation was important, particularly for the 277 members gathering next month.

“Theology is more important for discernment and decision-making than we think,” Dr Heaney said.

“Our aim is to explore the foundations of differing theological positions on themes that have emerged as central in the Plenary Council, and open those conversations to a broad public who are interested in them.

“We hope that these conversations will be an aid to the Church as a whole in their theological literacy and capacity for discernment by focussing on the theological issues underpinning them will.”

 Register to hear the discussion with ACU theologians here.