The Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University

28/11/2025

We're delighted to share more details about The Third Online Lived Catholicism Conference, taking place December 2-3, 2025, hosted by Durham University's Centre for Catholic Studies and the Nanovic Institute, University of Notre Dame.

Distinguished Keynote Speakers

We're honoured to welcome three outstanding keynote addresses together with a panel of Archbishops:

Estela Padilla (Synod Implementation Commission, Philippines and Asia) - Synodality and Sea-Routes: The Philippine Church Sailing On! Exploring the tensions and pastoral possibilities of a synodal Church in dialogue with change theory.

Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator SJ (Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara University) – Synodality and Its Discontents: Why I Am Excited About the Synodal Process Reflecting on his personal experience with the Synod, Fr Orobator examines resistance to synodality and makes a case for its transformative potential.

Tricia Bruce (Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, USC) – Alive Catholicism: Ordinary Catholics Amid an Extraordinary Synod Drawing on field research and the Vatican's synodal process, Tricia Bruce explores what it means for Catholicism to be truly "alive" among ordinary Catholics today.

Archbishops’ Panel: we are delighted to welcome Archbishops Lackner (Salzburg), Gordon (Port of Spain), Mpako (Pretoria) and Sherrington (Liverpool) to speak about their experiences of synodal leadership with Anna Rowlands and Karen Kilby.

Why This Conference Matters Now

Following the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality and during the Jubilee Year, this conference offers a crucial space to examine how synodality is being lived, resisted, and reimagined across diverse contexts. With over 30 presentations from scholars and practitioners spanning five continents, we'll explore:

Voices from the Margins: LGBTQ Catholics, migrant communities, young adults, and women's leadership
Interdisciplinary learning: How synodal processes connect with community organising, parish strategic planning, and pastoral care
Cultural Contexts: From African theological responses to Belgian youth engagement, from Filipino devotional practices to Western Sydney's intercultural reality
Theological reflections: exploring new questions arising from the synod process
Critical Questions: Examining liturgical discrimination, clergy burnout, the sensus fidei, and what authentic ecclesial change requires
Explore the full programme here: https://livedcatholicism.org/lived-catholicism-programme/
Fully Online and Globally Accessible

The conference is entirely online with sessions scheduled to accommodate participants across time zones. With a mix of plenary keynotes, 15 min papers, conversation and our pop-up podium, we have also included dedicated time for early career scholars and practitioners to network.

Join the Conversation

Whether you're a researcher, pastoral worker, theologian, or someone passionate about the Church's journey of renewal, this conference offers rich opportunities for learning, dialogue, and connection with others doing this vital work.

Registration and Further Information: find out more and register for the conference here: https://livedcatholicism.org/

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a stimulating and spirit-filled gathering.

14/07/2025

We are advertising for a FCJ Postdoctoral Research Associate in the History of Catholicism, in partnership with the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).

This is a 2-year research post investigating the history of the Faithful Companions of Jesus in the UK from 1830 to the present day. Full details can be found at
https://durham.taleo.net/careersection/du_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=25000789&tz=GMT%2B01%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FLondon

The deadline for applications is Sunday 27 July 2025.

14/05/2025

BOOKING EXTENDED!

Booking for the Franciscan Studies Summer School will remain open until Friday 16 May 6pm BST.

Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1242109766749?aff=oddtdtcreator

Full information on the summer school, including timetable and course descriptions, at: www.ccsfranciscanstudies.co.uk
Main courses by Br William Short OFM and Professor Mary Beth Ingham CSJ
Advanced seminar by Dr William Crozier
Public lectures by Professor John McCafferty and Sr Margaret Carney

04/03/2025

Booking is now open for the second online Franciscan Studies Summer School!

This two-week online summer school in Franciscan Studies is an exciting opportunity to encounter the riches of Franciscan theology, history and spirituality. Learn from world experts in Franciscan studies through video lectures and live Teams sessions, and interact with participants from across the globe in small group seminars. For more information, visit: www.ccsfranciscanstudies.co.uk
Booking via CCS Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1242109766749?aff=oddtdtcreator

An opportunity to encounter the riches of Franciscan theology, history, and spirituality and explore their relevance for today.

08/11/2024

The CCS is delighted to welcome Fr Hyacinthe Destivelle O.P. as our guest speaker for the first of two Bishop Dunn Memorial Lectures for 2024-25. Fr Hyacinthe will join us at St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Durham on the 21st November to give a talk titled 'Habemus Papam. An Ecumenical Primacy in a Synodal Church'.
If you would like to attend, please book your tickets by clicking on the image in this post.

This lecture is held in memory of Bishop Kevin Dunn, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle from May 2004 until his death in March 2008.

03/10/2023

We are excited to share the Call for Papers for our upcoming Franciscan studies conference! The event will bring together experts on Francis of Assisi, Bonaventure, Duns Scotus, the Poor Clares, the Franciscan Third Order and those whose research relates to Franciscanism in some way. We are looking for papers from medieval to modern, and from a range of disciplines including Theology, History, Lit Studies, Philosophy and beyond! Deadline: 11 October 23. More details here: http://tinyurl.com/franciscan24

27/07/2023

CCS member Dr Liam Temple reflects on the important historical contribution of the Capuchins to Catholicism in Britain post 1850 in a new article in The Tablet

A century and a half ago, the Capuchins began their mission in England and Wales, living among the poor and rebuilding the Church

01/06/2023

Booking is now open for our annual Bishop Dunn Memorial Lectures on 21st June 2023, where our guest speakers are H.E. Cardinal Mario Grech and Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ.
This will be a hybrid event, so you can attend either in-person, or virtually. Secure your ticket at the link below. https://buff.ly/3N6pOt5

18/05/2023

Our latest seminar is now available on Soundcloud. CAFOD and Durham University Research Fellow Gareth Rowe discusses ‘Climate, Covid and Conflict: Can Catholic Social Teaching show us the way through the storm?’. Have a listen to this relevant and timely seminar at the link below.

https://buff.ly/41LKHhh

04/04/2023

We are pleased to announce that we are now taking applications for our 2023/24 scholarships and bursaries! Full details are available on our website: https://durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/catholic-studies/facilities/funding-/

14/02/2023

Unfortunately the next Ushaw Lecture, 'Darwin’s Jews: Evolutionary Theory, Jewish Thought, and Interfaith Relations', due to take place on Feb 21st, has been postponed. A new date will be announced in due course.

07/02/2023

We are hiring! We are looking for an experienced administrator to join the CCS. The role will include communications, event management and social media responsibilities. More information here:

Click the link provided to see the complete job description.