The Week or Prayer for Christian Unity, 12-19th, International Year of Family, Pentecost and Laudato Si week are coming. Watch this space to download resources.

May  10 “It seems that religious disputes like those happening today are nothing new.   At times there are serious disagreements between different Christians resulting in break-aways or conflict.   There can also be dissent within one church including the Catholic church as we have seen. At the 2014 and 2015 Synods on the Family Pope Francis and some of the bishops inclined towards a more pastoral approach towards irregular unions and he was criticised by others who were committed to a more strict doctrinal approach on issues around human sexuality.” Josh commented, “That can lead to confusion amongst the people, but also challenge them to discern for themselves.” 

Reflect, share, scripture: Gallio the Roman governor told the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, I should have a reason to listen to you, but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves.  Acts 18:9-18   Pope Francis:  Not all discussions of doctrinal, moral or pastoral issues need to be settled by interventions of the magisterium.   Unity of teaching and practice is necessary but this does not preclude various ways of interpreting some aspects of that teaching or drawing certain consequences from it.   This will always be the case as the Spirit guides us towards the entire truth.  Every country or region can seek solutions better suited to its culture and sensitive to its traditions and local needs.  AL 3.  ACTION.  Do your best to be open and create a sense of openness in your experience of Church life.