A gathering of 277 bishops, clergy, religious and lay people in Australia has just completed four years of consultations, discernment and drafting ideas at its second and final assembly. What did we learn from their efforts?

As the first phase of the worldwide synod concludes, there is great opportunity to consider what graces have been poured out, what we have learned and how we can continue the momentum we have created.

When we look at what is missing from our synodal processes, we can understand better the tasks and challenges ahead of us.

“The general disposition of the church is one of hospitality, openness and welcome,” writes Archbishop John Wester. “Refusing to baptize children of same-sex couples is not in keeping with this outreach and I find it quite troubling.”

The papalization of the church reached its most robust form in the first half of the 20th century, but it might be seeing its twilight under Pope Francis.

Have we considered how to handle the ethical dilemmas that overturning Roe v. Wade will cause when states pass abortion laws so restrictive they will endanger the lives of mothers?