The Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University

The Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University The CCS exists within the pluralist, public academy, facilitating critically constructive Catholic studies of the highest academic standing.

Founded in 2008, the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University represents a creative partnership between academy and church: a centre within the pluralist, public academy for critically constructive Catholic studies of the highest academic standing. To this end, the CCS hosts regular Catholic Studies research seminars in partnership with Durham University, an ongoing public lecture series a

t Ushaw College (the Ushaw Lecture Series) and at Durham University (CCS Engagements). Thanks to the generous gifts of its partners, the CCS provides scholarships to postgraduates studying Catholic theology at Durham and organizes conferences and study days for students of Catholic theology throughout the UK. In 2013, the CCS appointed three new postdoctoral researchers, and In January 2014, the CCS welcomes Professor Karen Kilby as the new Bede Chair of Catholic Theology at Durham University.

We're delighted to share more details about The Third Online Lived Catholicism Conference, taking place December 2-3, 20...
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.

Address

Abbey House-Palace Green
Durham
DH13RS

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to The Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University:

Shortcuts

Share

Category