Saturday, February 18, 2023, saw nearly 200 people (in person and by zoom) engage in personal and sometimes passionate dialogue about the need for change in our Church. Many ideas have come from the meeting which HOC commits to working on for the future. Foremost, though, among priorities are: (1) the need to change the hierarchical, clerical structure to provide a meaningful voice for laity, especially women; and (2) full transparency regarding the files related to clergy sexual abuse through a Truth and Reconciliation Commission; (3) outreach and inclusiveness to marginalized communities based on race or sexual orientation.
The energy and commitment were strong and obvious. The challenge for all of us is to make the recommendations a reality. For those who were unable to attend, the meeting video is here.