At a recent symposium on synodality in Oxford University, a 70-year-old man exclaimed enthusiastically, “It’s the first time in my [church] life that I’ve been asked for my opinion!” So recounts theologian and author Gerry O’Hanlon SJ, in this interview with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications.

He talks to her about the symposium, entitled The Road to a Synodal Church: Insights and Experiences. which took place in Campion Hall, over 3 days in late March 2022. And he recounts the important input from a Jesuit canon lawyer regarding Pope Francis’ latest document on church reform which has significant implications for lay participation in the institutional church.

Dr O’Hanlon is also a member of the Irish church’s synodal committee and he talks about his work in that regard, and explains why he has real hope of change for the better in the future of the church because of this synodal process.

Listen to this interview with Gerry O’Hanlon SJ