Photo of Catherine E. Clifford

Catherine E. Clifford

Catherine E. Clifford is professor of historical and systematic theology in the Faculty of Theology, St. Paul University, Ottawa.

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Richard Gaillardetz speaks March 26, 2019, during a panel discussion at a conference titled "Healing the Breach of Trust" at The Catholic University of America in Washington. Gaillardetz died Nov. 7, 2023. (CNS/Bob Roller)

Mourning Richard Gaillardetz, an exemplary Catholic theologian, mentor and friend

With the passing of Richard Gaillardetz Nov. 7, the U.S. Catholic Church has lost a passionate witness of faith. A theologian with an impressive corpus of writing, Rick also loved the church deeply and was a mentor to many.

Pope Francis speaks at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican in this Oct. 17, 2015, file photo. The pope in his speech outlined his vision for how the entire church must be "synodal" with everyone listening to each other, learning from each other and taking responsibility for proclaiming the Gospel. (CNS/Paul Haring)

Francis' synod reforms show voices of Catholic laity can no longer be ignored

Pope Francis' reforms of the Synod of Bishops to include laypeople as full, voting members show that the voice of the laity can no longer be discounted in the exercise of authority in the Catholic Church.

Yves Congar opened a door into theology's changing role

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