MISSION statement:

We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ's Church and our anxiety about its future. Still inspired by the Second Vatican Council, we want to contribute fully to the life of our Church so that we may be a more effective sign of the Kingdom of God. To do this, we believe that an atmosphere of openness and dialogue both with each other and with our church leadership needs developing. Accordingly, we aim to supply channels of free and frank communication. We desire to help create a climate of trust and respect for all where this dialogue may be fostered.

THEOLOGY statement:

ACTA is a movement built from below by clergy and laity alike in every diocese in England and Wales. It exists to give those people an effective voice. It is an instrument to establish and promote space for a trusting dialogue within a hierarchically structured people’s Church.
 
ACTA believes that the reforms of the Second Vatican Council are the only way forward for mission to modern society. It is not a small chapel of selected followers; it believes in the Church as a “big tent”, with open doors. As a free and representative association of believers, it seeks to liberate the expertise in the ranks, so as to bring added energy and witness to the Church in the world.

Book Launch - Gabrielle Thomas - experiences of women in the church

Written by: Alex Walker
For the Good of the Church

The Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham, warmly invite you to the online launch of Gabrielle Thomas’s new book For the Good of the Church: Unity, Theology, and Women, taking place at 5.30pm GMT (12.30pm EST) on Monday 8 March (International Women’s Day 2021). Author Gabrielle Thomas (now Lecturer at Yale Divinity School; former post-doctoral researcher here at the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University) will be joined by:

  • Paula Gooder (Writer and Lecturer on Biblical Studies and Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, London)
  • Tine Beattie (Professor Emerita of Catholic Studies and Director of Catherine of Siena College at the University of Roehampton, London)
  • Paul D. Murray (Durham University)

The book

What do we need to learn and receive from the other to help us address challenges or wounds in our own tradition? That is the key question asked in what has come to be known as 'receptive ecumenism'. And nowhere is this question more pressing and pertinent than in women's experiences within the church.

Based on a qualitative study conducted here at the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University, in partnership with the National Board of Catholic Women, the book reveals how radically different theological and ecclesiological perspectives can be a space for learning and receiving gifts for the well-being of the whole church.

Registration

We do hope you will join us to hear about the book, meet new people, and help us celebrate the launch! To participate/attend, you will need Zoom details—to receive them please register at https://centreforcatholicstudies.eventbrite.com. 

A poster for the event, which includes a discount code for the book, is attached Gabrielle Thomas book launch poster – please feel free to share this email and the poster with your networks as you wish.

With best wishes,
Jane

 

Jane Lidstone

Administrative Assistant

Durham University

Centre for Catholic Studies

Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RS United Kingdom

 

E: ccs.admin@durham.ac.uk