Written by Alex Walker

Published: 24 June 2021

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Last weekend our synodal process, Synod 2020 - Together on the Road, reached its climax in a great gathering of synod members which took place online because of the pandemic.  It was a truly amazing event with contributions from the papal nuncio, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, and Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops in Rome, Dr Jessie Rogers from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in Ireland, and, most importantly, from the synod members themselves.  In a truly wonderful way, all this took place online using Zoom which brought together over 400 members, observers, and contributors.

Written by Thomas O'Loughlin

Published: 22 June 2021

Download: A New Lectionary - Tom O'Loughlin

A New Lectionary: is it a matter of picking a version? By Thomas O’Loughlin Introduction The Tablet recently reported that the Australian bishops are now – like so many other English-language episcopal conferences – thinking about a new translation of the scriptures for use in the liturgy. This is a process that is commonly, but inaccurately, referred to as having ‘a new lectionary.’ In this debate there will be shouts from many sides in this form: ‘I am for Jerusalem Bible!’ I am for English Standard Version!’ ‘I am for formal equivalence!’ or ‘I am for inclusive language!’ It is all reminiscent of Corinth in the mid-first century CE and disputes about the baptism of Paul and that of Apollos. But is there a more basic question to answer? The debate about ‘which version’ – for all its validity – distracts everyone (bishops included) from recognising many other real problems that reading the scriptures in a lectionary poses. With all the focus on ‘which translation,’ we are missing the bigger issue. Do we need more than one translation?

Written by David Blower

Published: 22 June 2021

Written by Alex Walker

Published: 14 June 2021

The Bishops’ Conferences of England and Wales and Scotland have chosen a new Bible translation for use at Mass that translates women out of Scripture.  Does this matter, and how do we respond? 

In a 25 minute talk, Liz Dodd (Home News Editor at the Tablet) guided us through all the issues surrounding the New Lectionary, allowing time for reflection followed by lively group discussion and questions.

Bio: Liz Dodd is a journalist and travel writer for publications including National Geographic Traveller (UK) and The Guardian. A theology graduate, she is a Candidate with the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, and has circumnavigated the globe on a bicycle.