News

A Quest Response to “Amoris Laetitia”

In attempting to craft his Apostolic Exhortation, Pope Francis was faced with impossibly conflicting demands: intense pressure from the reformists to introduce changes to pastoral practice (if not actual doctrine) on some hot-button topics, competing with equally intense pressure from the conservative side to reaffirm both doctrine and the rules on pastoral practice.  We should…… Continue reading A Quest Response to “Amoris Laetitia”

A Big Heart Open to God (from Quest Bulletin 68, Winter 2013/14)

The title above is a direct quote from an exclusive interview which Pope Francis gave to Antonio Spadaro, SJ, editor in chief of La Civiltà Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit journal, and which was published in several other major Jesuit journals around the world. The following is an extract from the interview: “We need to proclaim…… Continue reading A Big Heart Open to God (from Quest Bulletin 68, Winter 2013/14)

“Seen and not heard” (Gospel Reflection from Quest Bulletin, Winter 2013)

Grown-ups have such interesting conversations, or so I thought when I was a child. They always seemed to be such interesting conversations, especially when they were talking about an absent member of the family or the shenanigans of a neighbour. The trouble was, whenever I tried to join in the conversation or ask who it…… Continue reading “Seen and not heard” (Gospel Reflection from Quest Bulletin, Winter 2013)

Conference 2016: “Feathers on the Breath of God”

Booking is now open for conference 2016. The theme this year, under the title “Feathers on the Breath of God” (from a phrase used by Hildegard of Bingen) will be looking at the complexities of personhood, sexuality and gender: “Listen: there was once a king sitting on his throne. Around Him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns…… Continue reading Conference 2016: “Feathers on the Breath of God”

What is the “Formation of Conscience?”

Papal theologian: “”Conscience is the act of practical reason” Gay and lesbian Catholics who disagree with Church teaching on sexuality know that the  best defence against our critics is the primacy of conscience, which is well established in Catholic doctrine. It’s also a theme which had renewed attention during the recent Synod of Bishops’ assembly…… Continue reading What is the “Formation of Conscience?”

Conference First Impressions: Claire and Paschal

One of the many delights about attending the annual Quest Conference, in addition to catching up with old friends, is the pleasure of meeting newcomers. They are a gift to us, not only because they enrich us with their life stories and witness, but they also validate Quest’s very existence. So, meet “newbies” Claire and…… Continue reading Conference First Impressions: Claire and Paschal

Has the Synod “Opened a Door” to LGBT Inclusion?

The Bishops’ Synod three week assembly on marriage and family has now concluded. It’s now two years since the process began, and it’s not over yet. (We still must wait for Pope Francis’ response, which will be published as an Apostolic Exhortation). Meanwhile, LGBT opinion on the results of the assembly and its implications for…… Continue reading Has the Synod “Opened a Door” to LGBT Inclusion?

Drawn to your faith?

Landings ­ Are you looking to reconnect with your faith? If you have been thinking about becoming more active in the Catholic Church after a time away, we invite you to join us in LANDINGS, an eight­ week experience that offers “a safe place to land,” a place where your voice will be heard and…… Continue reading Drawn to your faith?

Keith Sharpe: “The Bible – Friend or Foe?”

Our second speaker, Keith Sharpe, is best known for “The Gay Gospels” (2010) and his two-session address was entitled “The Bible Friend or Foe?” It allowed him a neat opportunity to divide his contributions between attempting to counteract the socalled biblical “clobber texts” and then offer the Bible as a positive, “queer-friendly tool” for the…… Continue reading Keith Sharpe: “The Bible – Friend or Foe?”