Catholic | Three Rivers

This project emerged from our work with Catholic parishes, universities, and charities. It examines how the “Three Rivers” of Synodality, community organising, and Catholic Social Teaching (CST) can come together to renew the Church and transform society.

In its research phase, it is developing practical recommendations for fostering a church that is both more engaged with its members and more effective in its mission to serve society. Throughout the past year, CTC has engaged with church communities across different Christian denominations, facilitating dialogues and workshops to explore the practical intersections of Synodality, Community Organising and CST. Our findings suggest that when Synodality is informed by community organising techniques, it can lead to more dynamic and responsive church structures. Likewise, when community organising is coupled with Synodality, it makes the process slow, patient and truly within people’s pace, gifts and interests.

As well as contributing valuable insights to the ongoing global conversation about Synodality and the future of the Catholic Church, the project is now moving into a second phase – developing a new Learning Community for Catholic parishes who want to draw these “Three Rivers” together at a local level.

Synodality is a process that emphasises communal discernment through journeying together and fostering a more inclusive and participatory church. By implementing community organising principles, the churches seek to harness the leadership development of lay leaders and actively engage them in church and community action. Furthermore, by grounding these efforts in the rich tradition of CST, it ensures that actions are guided by core principles such as human dignity, solidarity, and the common good.

Next phase of project is developing now and includes an exciting piece of work at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Forest Gate funded by Charles Plater Trust.