Welcome to the Culture of Conversation
www.cultureofconversation.org

In December of 2002, a diverse group of committed Catholics issued a statement challenging the culture of silence that currently dominates the Roman Catholic Church. The statement, entitled "Ephphatha: Be Opened," addressed Vatican II's vision of a church that was marked by conversation, consultation, and collaboration -- qualities that have yet to take root in our church. The Ephphatha
Statement spoke to how a culture of silence prevails in all corners of the Church and urged that such silence must end. It said, in part:

"The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) sought to renew the Church so that it might proclaim the gospel more effectively in the contemporary world. A sign of and a means to that renewal were to be the active participation of every member of the Church, each according to her/his own gifts and competencies, in the Church's life and work. Embracing the vision of Blessed John XXIII, the Council laid the foundations for a Church marked by conversation, consultation, and collaboration. The Council summoned every member of the People of God to new responsibilities in accord with their God-given dignity, talents and baptismal call. No longer were they to be silent subjects but active partners in every aspect of the Church's life.

"This part of the renewal has not taken root. Procedures and structures for meaningful conversation, consultation, and collaboration were never sufficiently developed. Terrible as it is, the sexual abuse crisis is not the only consequence of silence in our Church. When leaders make decisions without consulting those affected, they do not necessarily make bad decisions, but neither can we be confident that they are the best ones. Even a good decision will lack the support and credibility that consultation provides. Issues that affect the Church's mission and credibility, such as the availability of the Eucharist, qualifications for ordained ministry, financial accountability, and sexuality have not been open for discussion. Only official procedures and teachings are acceptable. Other views are dismissed or even repressed. There is a growing fear of speaking out. A culture of silence too often prevails.

"This silence must end. Our life together must mirror our belief that the Holy Spirit 'distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank. By these gifts the Spirit makes them fit and ready to undertake the various tasks or offices advantageous for the renewal and upbuilding of the Church...' (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 12)."

The Culture of Conversation is stimulating respectful conversations among a broad spectrum of Catholics. We want to encourage Catholics to engage each other in conversations when confronted with silencing about contemporary challenges that face the Church. We intend to foster open and mutual communication and collaborative decision-making. We work to support an atmosphere of trust, hope and openness to one another and to the Holy Spirit.

In support of this vision, we created this blog. We intend it to be a forum in which issues can be raised and discussed in a spirit of civility and mutual respect. We hope it will be a tool that assists people in engaging in these much-needed conversations.

This blog is hosted by the Culture of Conversation Steering Commitee. We are leaders—women, men, lay, religious, clergy—of diverse Catholic organizations who are committed to transforming the culture of silence that prevails in our Church.

We hope you will be a partner in that vision. Join the conversation. Welcome.