Theologians, canon lawyers, bishops, religious, lay leaders and governance practitioners from around the world will gather in Rome for the 2026 Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church Symposium.
The three-day symposium, to be held at Australian Catholic University’s Rome campus, will contribute to work underway to inform the Church’s implementation of the Synod on Synodality. The Synod Secretariat has announced an Ecclesial Assembly in 2028.
Project lead Susan Pascoe said the gathering comes at a significant moment in the life of the Church.
“We are living in a period of renewal in the Church, with renewed recognition of the of the missionary calling of all the Baptised,” Adjunct Professor Pascoe said.
The ACU symposium will explore the biblical, historic, theological and canon law underpinnings of lay participation in the life of the Church with a particular focus on their contribution to governance.
It will look at the practice of governance across dioceses, parishes, religious institutes and ministerial public juridic persons, particularly in places where there is a focus on inviting the gifts of all of the People of God.
Cardinal Mario Grech will open the symposium, which features speakers including Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, Professor Massimo Faggioli, Brisbane Archbishop Emeritus Mark Coleridge, Professor Catherine Clifford, and Professor Maeve Heaney VDMF, alongside experts from Africa, Europe, Oceania and the Americas.
Key themes include:
• The theological and canonical foundations of lay participation in governance
• Synodal leadership, discernment and decision-making
• Formation for lay and ordained leaders
• Emerging governance models across the global Church
• New research on synodality, governance and Catholic identity
A major focus will be the formation of leaders for shared governance, responding to the Synod’s call for priests, religious and lay people to learn and lead together.
Organisers have announced plans for a broader international conference in 2027-28, opening the conversation to all interested theologians, Church leaders and practitioners in preparation for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly.
“The future of synodal governance requires more than structural reform,” Professor Pascoe said.
“There were continued calls during the Synod on Synodality (2021-24) for a conversion of hearts, minds and relationships, so that the whole People of God can contribute more fully in the Church’s mission.”
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Global Catholic Leaders gather in Rome to advance Synodal Governance (AMPJP)
