Reformers from 40 countries gather in Ireland to discuss change

A gathering of Catholic reformers from around the world will take place in Ireland next week at a three-day conference organised by the Redemptorist priest Fr Tony Flannery.

Forty representatives from North America, South America, Asia, England, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland are due to attend the conference in Limerick (from 13 April). This is the first time that so many reform leaders will have come together.

Fr Flannery, who was censured in 2012 by the Holy See, said some of the topics expected to be discussed include Pope Francis’ reforms, the future of parishes and women’s equality.

Asked about the open letter published in the Catholic Herald from almost 500 priests in England and Wales calling for resistance to any change to the Church’s current teaching on marriage at the Synod on the Family in October, Fr Flannery said it was “depressing”.

This week, 500 laity wrote their own letter backing the priests’ call.