Conversations of the future …

From the Commonweal Blog:

“The Fordham Conversation Project … brought together young professors of theology to discuss their emerging role in the Church and university at a time of evident polarization. In this regard the undertaking bears resemblance to the Common Ground Initiative launched by the late Cardinal Bernardin and Monsignor Philip Murnion.

“Here is how one participant describes their intense two days together:

“The concept of friendship, which obviously has a long theological history, was perhaps the central idea of the weekend.  If those who disagree actually make conscious choices to engage in practices to create the space to be friends then the disagreement is far less likely to fracture the relationship. And sometimes understanding grows in such a way that the disagreement fades away…or at least is much better understood.

“I think the focus on junior people allowed both of these ideas to flourish in our discussions because ‘our generation’ (1) hasn’t been formed by the culture wars of the 60s and by Vatican II and its aftermath and (2) generally haven’t yet fought the battles that define one’s self in opposition to another person or idea.  This allows friendships to flourish across divides.”

http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=9598

Tags: church, power of the faithful, tradition recreating itself