ROOT & BRANCH
INCLUSIVE SYNOD
shining a healing light on fear in the Catholic Church
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In the week leading up to the final weekend of the synod, our eminent panellists will walk us through our thinking so far as we prepare for action.
Joanna Moorhead
chair of
MORAL THEOLOGY
Katharine Salmon
chair of
MINISTRY
Virginia Saldanha
chair of
AUTHORITY
Ruby Almeida
chair of
DIVERSITY
Kochurani Abraham
Martha Heizer
Thomas O'Loughlin
Rev. Dr.
James Alison
Dr.
Claire Jenkins
Dr.
John O'Loughlin Kennedy
Rev.
Tony Cassidy
Baroness
Helena Kennedy QC
Rev.
Diarmuid O'Murchu
Patricia Rumsey
Kate McElwee
Kathleen Gibbons Schuck
Dr.
Nontando Hadebe
Gina Menzies
Dr.
Luca Badini Confalonieri
Prof. Emerita
Tina Beattie
Reclaiming and Redefining
LITURGICAL MINISTRY
Sunday 5th September, 2021
19:00-20:30
CHAIR
Katharine Salmon - teacher, feminist, theologian
PANEL
Martha Heizer - co-founder of what became We are Church Austria
Kate McElwee - activist, Executive Director Women’s Ordination Conference
Rev. Diarmuid O’Murchu - social psychologist and author of Doing Theology in an Evolutionary Way, pastoral care for HIV-Aids, homeless and refugees
Patricia Rumsey - abbess of a Poor Clare monastery, associate professor at Nottingham University, and author of Lest She Pollute the Sanctuary
Kathleen Gibbons Schuck - facilitator, executive coach, and Roman Catholic Woman Priest
Embracing
DIVERSITY
Monday 6th September, 2021
16:30-18:00
CHAIR
Ruby Almeida - co-chair Global Network of Rainbow Catholics
PANEL
Kochurani Abraham - feminist theologian, author, and Coordinator of the Indian Christian Women’s Movement for Kerala, India
Rev. Dr. James Alison - Catholic theologian, priest and author
Dr. Nontando Hadebe - specialising in African, Pastoral, Feminist and Liberation Theology, St Augustine College, South Africa
Dr. Claire Jenkins - trans woman, Senior Fellow Margaret Beaufort Institute, University of Cambridge, pastoral care to LGBT Catholics and Moslem asylum seekers and refugees
Rethinking
MORAL THEOLOGY
Tuesday 7th September, 2021
19:00-20:30
CHAIR
Joanna Moorhead - journalist and author, arts editor The Tablet
PANEL
Prof. Emerita Tina Beattie - theologian, former feminist Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Roehampton and author of the novel The Good Priest
Gina Menzies - Irish broadcaster, theologian and chair of Irish Government Taskforce of Women in Sport
Thomas O'Loughlin - author and Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology in The University of Nottingham, and the Director of Studia Traditionis Theologiae
Dr. John O’Loughlin Kennedy - retired economist, serial social entrepreneur, and author of The Curia is the Pope
Insisting on
SHARING AUTHORITY
Wednesday 8th September, 2021
16:30-18:00
CHAIR
Virginia Saldanha - Executive Secretary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences Women’s Desk, and later of Laity & Family
PANEL
Rev. Tony Cassidy - theologian and priest of St Matthew, West Norwood, London
Christina Rees - member of the general synod of the Church of England, broadcaster,
writer and public speaker
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC - one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers
championing civil liberties and promoting human rights
Dr. Luca Badini Confalonieri - Executive Director of and author at the Wijngaards Institute with a long standing interest in the governance of the Roman Catholic Church
Our world-class speakers inspire action
either in person or on Zoom depending on Covid travel restrictions
Sr Myra Poole, SND, a lifetime campaigner for women’s ordination, will open the inclusive Synod.
We are honoured that Mary McAleese will give our keynote speech on Canon Law, the Church and Human Rights legislation. She will be joined by an impressive range of thinkers and leaders. These include Ally Kateusz specialising in women and religion in Early Christian art and text; award-winning American writer and former priest James Carroll; Catholic theologian, priest and author James Alison; and human rights barrister and broadcaster Helena Kennedy QC.
We’re delighted to confirm speaking sessions also with campaigner for Catholic reform Miriam Duignan; activist, writer and theologian Virginia Saldanha; Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology Thomas O’Loughlin; broadcaster and leading lay woman in the Church of England Christina Rees; educationalist, psychologist and feminist theologian Martha Heizer; renowned theologians Ursula King and Tina Beattie; co-chair Global Network of Rainbow Catholics Ruby Almeida; Anglican priest, Labour councillor for Rotherham West, and survivor of child sexual exploitation Eve Rose-Keenan; and Soline Humbert Vatinel, co-founder of Brothers and Sisters in Christ amongst others.
There will also be an Inter-Faith panel, and early on the Sunday morning a Closing Liturgy with the Breaking of Bread.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Prof. Mary McAleese
Dr.
Ally Kateusz
Rev. Dr.
James Alison
Baroness
Helena Kennedy QC
Eve Rose-Keenan
Miriam Duignan
Prof. Emerita
Ursula King
Myra Poole SND
Virginia Saldanha
Soline
Humbert Vatinel
James Carroll
Christina Rees
Ruby Almeida
Prof. Emerita
Tina Beattie
Martha Heizer
Thomas O'Loughlin
PROGRAMME
*Details are correct at the time of going to print. Changes will be updated.
On Zoom, but also a limited number of tickets available for physical attendance:
CASTING OUT OUR FEAR – THE WAY FORWARD
10-11 SEPTEMBER, 2021
A brilliant firework display of speakers
FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER
St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford, Bristol and on Zoom
11.30-13.00 Registration followed, by lunch for physical attendance
13.15 - Prayerful Welcome
Myra Poole SND, Bishop Declan, Fr. Derek Reeve, and Professor Emerita Ursula King
followed by the blessing of the synod
Fr. Richard McKay and parishioners from St Nicholas of Tolentino, Bristol
14.00-14.45 - Keynote Speaker, Professor Mary McAleese
'No Synodality Without Freedom of Speech' – Canon law must acknowledge the human rights of Church members
14.50-15.25 - Q&A with Joanna Moorhead
Joanna Moorhead, journalist and author.
15.30 - Welcome to Bristol with Bishop Vivienne Faull
Tea Break
16.10-16.35 - Liturgical Ministry: A Personal Experience
Dr Martha Heizer, We Are Church Austria
16.35-17.00 - Knocking On Closed Doors: The Persistent Witness for Women's Ordination
Kate McElwee, Executive Director Women’s Ordination Conference
17.05-17.30 - Belonging & Being Church: What’s Catholicism All About?
Dr James Alison, theologian and priest
17.35-18.00 - Inclusivity: At What Price?
Ruby Almeida, always seeking productive conversations that bring about change
18.05-18.30 - Prayerful Close
Soline Humbert Vatinel, co-founder Brothers and Sisters in Christ (Ireland) with palliative care physician from Australia, Dr Eleanor Flynn & others
On Zoom, but also a limited number of tickets available for physical attendance:
SATURDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER
St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford, Bristol and on Zoom
08.30-09.00 Coffee
09.15-09.40 - The Word
Zimbabwean women dancers present the Gospel
Reading & homily by Shanon Sterringer of Hildegard Haus, Ohio & another tbc
09.45-10.00 - Aims of the Day
Pamela Perry, Root & Branch, and Mary Ring, Root & Branch
10.05-10.35 - Women & Men at the Table: Early Christian Era
Dr Ally Kateusz, specialist in women and religion in Early Christian art and text, research associate Wijngaards Institute of Catholic Research
10.40-11.00 - Q&A with Miriam Duignan
Miriam Duignan, activist for reform in the Catholic church
11.00 - Coffee Break
.
11.30-11.55 - Vision & Voice: Breaking the Sound-Barrier of Fear
Christina Rees, involved in the campaign for women’s ordination in the Church of England for over 25 years, leader of the campaign for women bishops
12.00-12.25 - Catalytic Conversations
"Transforming the Church's gender politics beyond "add women and stir", Tina Beattie, Professor Emerita, Catholic Studies, University of Roehampton
12.30-13.00 - The Asian Bishops' Vision of a Co-Responsibility Church Is No More. Why?
Virginia Saldanha, writer and theologian; former Executive Secretary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Women’s Desk, and Office of Laity
13.00-13.45 - Lunch Break
.
14.00-14.30 - Justice in the Catholic Church
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute
14.35-15.00 - Q&A with Eve Rose-Keenan
Eve Rose-Keenan, Anglican priest, Labour councillor for Rotherham and survivor of child sexual exploitation (with Sue Williamson, Root & Branch)
15.10-15.40 - The Future Church Is a Choice
James Carroll, award-winning American writer, author of 11 novels and 8 works of history. His subjects are war and peace, religion and violence, and reform of the Catholic Church. His latest book is The Truth at the Heart of the Lie: How the Catholic Church Lost its Soul.
15.40-16.10 - Q&A with TBC
.
16.15 - Tea Break
.
16.45-17.40 - Interconnected: Panel of Bristol Inter-Faith Networks
Interviewed by Rhiannon Parry Thompson, Root & Branch
17.45-18.20 - Where Now? With The Bristol Text to Reform?
Thomas O’Loughlin, Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology, University of Nottingham with Penelope Middelboe, Root & Branch.
Farewell & Invite to Liturgy at 10:30 Sunday and Final Blessing
Pamela Perry, Root & Branch, Mary Ring, Root & Branch, and Katharine Salmon, Root & Branch
On Zoom for everyone, but also a limited number of tickets available for physical attendance:
SUNDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER
Sequoia Room, Holiday Inn, Filton, Bristol
10.00 - Closing Liturgy and Breaking of Bread
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Holiday Inn, Filton, BS16 1QX
Stoke Gifford, Bristol
We are delighted to be able to gather physically for the Root & Branch Synod at St Michael’s who share our desire for justice in Christ’s church.
The spacious, modern centre is suitable for wheelchairs and is within a couple of minutes' walking distance of Bristol Parkway train station. The main auditorium for 450 will suit a ‘safe’ number of 250, with participation via Zoom from across the world.
There will also be an 'Inner Room' for prayer,
and a large space for meals and coffees.
Special Rates
We have found you TWO DIFFERENT HOLIDAY INNS to choose from:
1. Holiday Inn, Filton, BS16 1QX
Set in spacious grounds, this comfortable hotel is offering us their best Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rate:
Single £95, Double £125 per night.
We will hold our Closing Liturgy and Light Lunch here on
Sunday 12th September 2021.
Everyone is invited, even if staying elsewhere.
Please ensure that you use direct phone no 01179 104200
and quote NCC code.
*Your credit card number will be taken to reserve your room/s, but no payment will be taken until 72 hours beforehand.
----
2. Holiday Inn Express, Bristol Parkway Business Park,
New Road, BS34 8TJ
£84 per night bed & breakfast only
(all rooms: single, double, twin, family)
Express Start buffet breakfast included
Rooms held till 13 August only
To reserve online using our unique booking link
CLICK HERE
NB: DO NOT CONFUSE THESE TWO HOTELS.
They are both in the Holiday Inns portfolio, but they are a mile apart and very different. Please ensure that you are booking the particular one that you want.
FAQ
FAQ
FOR IN PERSON ATTENDANCE
ACCESS
Is there disabled access in the centre?
Yes.
Are there disabled toilets in the centre?
Yes.
How far is it to walk from the station to the centre?
It is a couple of minutes’ walk and there are no big roads to cross.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Will it be possible to ask questions of speakers?
Because we have such rich array of speakers, there won’t be time to ask questions of all them. However, there will be certain sessions where Q&A is a scheduled part of the programme.
Those joining via the internet will be typing their questions into the chat function.
BRISTOL TEXT TO REFORM
Will I be sent a copy of this after the event?
Please register on the website using the contact form in order to join our mailing list and receive the Bristol Text for Reform
Car parking at the centre
There are parking spaces for disabled drivers right outside the building. There is some on-street parking available in Stoke Gifford and there are hundreds of pay-and-display spaces in the station car park just around the corner.
CHILDREN
Are children welcome? If not, what is the minimum age?
We don’t think the auditorium is the place for children (with the exception of small babies).
We do aim, however, to run a crèche for certain key sessions, and to provide a room at other times for parents and children (with toys) where the synod can be screened live. If you are interested in bringing children please get in touch to discuss ages, etc.
CONTACT
Is there a number to call on the day if I run into difficulties?
Yes, this will be sent out to all ticket holders nearer the day.
COVID
Will everyone be required to have a negative test before attending?
In accordance with Covid regulations in England, audience members will not be required to show a negative test, or proof of double vaccination, before attending. However we are reducing ticket sales to 250 as opposed to the normal capacity of 450 in order to allow people to feel ‘safe’. We will assess the mask situation nearer the time.
If there is a new government lockdown due to Covid and my live participation is cancelled, will I get a full ticket refund?
On the ticket sales platform we say clearly that in the unlikely event of cancellation of the live event we would ask you not to seek a ticket refund, but to join us via the website. Your ticket will allow you to do that automatically.
Will R&B insure me against cancellation (on hotel and train tickets) if the government imposes new Covid restrictions at the last minute?
R&B is a group of volunteers who are doing our best to provide a forum for people who care about the future of the Catholic Church. We will have offered our services for 18 months without payment. All R&B Synod costs are met by donations and ticket sales. And so, no, there will be no refund or insurance for any losses caused by new lockdown legislation. The hotels, however, will refund tickets in the event of total lockdown.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS (see food)
DIRECTIONS (see Transport)
DISABILITIES
Is there a hearing loop in the centre?
Yes. Please sit on the right side of the auditorium
Is there disabled access in the centre?
Yes.
How close is the entrance to where a car can drop me off?
There are parking spaces for disabled drivers right outside the building.
Are there disabled toilets in the centre?
Yes.
How far is it to walk from the station to the centre?
A couple of minutes’ walk with no big roads to cross.
I am visually impaired can I get the programme printed in font 16?
Yes, it would help us to know how many people would like this. Please email events@rootandbranchsynod.org and put LARGE FONT PROGRAMME in the subject heading.
ENVIRONMENT
What are you doing to minimise the carbon footprint of the Synod?
Thanks to people getting accustomed to participating via the internet we are pleased to say that most of our international speakers are not travelling to the UK. The vast majority of our audience is also not travelling.
FILMING (see Photography)
FIRST AID
Does the centre have a First Aider on call?
Yes.
FOOD
It says lunches are included. What can I expect? Will there be vegetarian or vegan options?
Since the lunches are included in the price we have opted for very simple food.
Both days:
A selection of Finger Sandwiches (including Meat and Vegetarian fillings), individual assorted crisps, a piece of fruit, and a doughnut.
Where will lunches be served?
In the Lower Hall.
Where will the coffees and teas be served? Will there be decaf options?
In the Lower Hall. Yes there will be decaf options.
If I have allergies how do I submit my dietary requirements? Can I bring my own food and drink?
GF and dairy-free options can be catered for, but please email us on events@rootandbranchsynod.org so that we can be sure the caterers provide enough GF food. If you have other allergies such as to nuts, please bring your own food.
If I bring my own food and drink do I get a discount?
Unfortunately it is not possible to issue discounts in this situation and so we hope you will see this as a donation to the cause. The tickets are heavily subsidised and meals and refreshments cost us £20 per head.
Is food and drink allowed in the auditorium?
No
HOTELS - HOLIDAY INN, FILTON RD
How do I book with the hotel to get the rate quoted?
Please ensure that you use direct phone no 01179 104200 or 01179 104201 and quote NCC code Check in from 15.00hrs, Check out by 12.00hrs
How do I get a twin room rather than a double?
This depends on availability.
Where is the Holiday Inn, Filton Rd?
Holiday Inn, Filton Rd, Winterbourne, Bristol BS16 1QX
If I’m not staying at Holiday Inn Filton can I join other participants there for an evening meal? What will it cost?
Non-guests can book an evening meal at the hotel to join their R&B colleagues by calling or emailing Nikki Gwatkin on 01179 104200 or 01179 104201, quoting NCC code, or emailing her quoting the same code on Nikki.Gwatkin@hibristolfilton.co.uk. It will cost approx. £22 without beverages.
What is the situation re car parking?
There is spacious complimentary parking for hotel guests.
What is the latest date I can cancel my room? Will I get a full refund?
The Holiday Inn Filton takes your credit card details when you book but does not take any money until 72 hrs before. You can cancel without paying any penalty up to 72 hrs before.
HOTELS - HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, PARKWAY BUSINESS PARK
Where is the Holiday Inn Express? Are they the same hotel?
Parkway Business Park, New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8TJ
The Holiday Inn Express, Parkway Business Park, is a different hotel from the Holiday Inn, Filton Road. All room prices regardless of whether one or two people are staying, are £84 bed and buffet breakfast.
What is the latest date I can cancel my room? Will I get a full refund?
The hotel is only holding rooms for us until 13 August. You will get a full refund if you cancel up to 14 days before.
LUGGAGE
If I’m in transit can I leave my bag anywhere safe at St Michael’s Centre?
We understand that you may have luggage with you, and we will be able to lock it in a room. You will have to contact a steward to get it out.
PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING
Can I take photographs in the auditorium?
You can take photographs of the stage but not of members of the audience. No children may be photographed.
Is the event being filmed? Might I be filmed without my knowledge?
Since this is a live-streamed event audience members should expect to be on camera, even if only fleetingly. Our fixed video camera will be at the back of the auditorium, and so chiefly picking up people’s backs and sides. There will also be a roving camera which might pick up an audience member, particularly if a question is being asked.
If you do not wish to be filmed in any way, please speak to the stewards as you arrive and they will seat you somewhere where you cannot be inadvertently caught on camera. Those speaking from the stage have already given their permission to be filmed.
PROGRAMME
Where do I find a copy of the programme?
It will be downloadable on our website here.
Those attending live will be given a paper programme.
PRIVACY
I would like to attend the Synod but I would only feel comfortable doing so if my identity was not revealed. How will my identity be kept confidential?
We will not be revealing the identity of any audience member. If you tell the stewards you do not wish to be filmed and they seat you in a ‘safe area’ you should feel comfortable. You will not be required to wear a name badge. You will only be required to show the QR code on your ticket on admittance.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE
Does the centre have public liability insurance?
Yes.
SECURITY
I am nervous about the risk of disruption from Catholics who oppose the Synod Agenda: what security arrangements are in place?
The door will be locked and we will have a steward on door duty.
SINGING
Will there be any singing?
Yes.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
How will distancing work if I come on my own - can I still socialise with other people?
The English government is lifting social distancing restrictions on 19 July. However, we will ask all participants to be respectful of each other’s space.
START AND END TIMES
If I’m late, will I be allowed in?
Yes. The stewards will escort you in at the next break.
Do I have to attend every speaker in the auditorium or is there a chill out area?
It is up to you how many of the speakers you listen to. There is a chill out area.
SUNDAY LITURGY
Where is it being held?
Holiday Inn, Filton, Sequoia Room
When does the Sunday liturgy start and end?
Start time 10am. End by 12.45pm
Do I need to book a place?
Please email events@rootandbranchsynod.org to say you would like to attend so that we can monitor numbers. Please also say whether you’d like a light lunch at the hotel, for the price of £9.50 before you set off on your travels.
TICKETS
Do I have to print off my ticket?
Either print it off or have it on your phone. It’s the QR code we need at the door.
What happens if I’ve forgotten to print off my ticket and lost it on my phone?
In an emergency we can trace your ticket purchase via your name and email address, but this will take time, so please do what you can to bring a printed ticket.
TRANSPORT
Where is St Michael’s Centre?
St Michael’s Centre is in Stoke Gifford on the northern edge of Bristol in the South West of England. We are located a few minutes’ drive from the M4, the M5 and the M32 motorways and a few hundred metres from Bristol Parkway railway station.
Address is St Michael’s Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PD
By Rail
Bristol Parkway is a major intercity railway station, with regular services to and from London, Birmingham, South Wales, Exeter and beyond. The St Michael’s Centre is just around the corner from the station.
By Bus
The St Michael’s Centre is a 5 minute walk from two bus stops which are on the following routes around Bristol and South Gloucestershire: 10, 19, 19A, 73, 77, 82, X5, X73, 3B, 625 and S7C. We will also be served by Bristol’s new MetroBus which is currently under construction.
By Car
The St Michael’s Centre is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the M4 (J19), the M32 (J1) and the M5 (J16). There are parking spaces for disabled drivers right outside the building. There is some on-street parking available in Stoke Gifford and there are hundreds of pay-and-display spaces in the station car park just around the corner.
How far is it to walk from Bristol Parkway Station to the centre?
A couple of minutes’ walk.
Can you tell me the times of trains to Bristol Parkway Station?
There are so many trains, please look them up.
Is there secure cycle parking provision at the centre?
Yes.
How do I travel between the centre and the Holiday Inn Filton or any other hotels?
There is no organised transport. However, there is a full taxi-rank at Parkway Station. We suggest you find people to share a taxi with. The distance is not far. But it is certainly not an easy walk.
ZOOM/ONLINE ATTENDANCE
What is the Zoom/online element of my LIVE onsite ticket?
The online element of your ticket consists of:
Sunday-Wednesday 5-8 September:
4 panels on The Bristol Text to Reform (see programme for times)
Thursday 9 September: The Inner Room for prayer (see programme for times)
It says that my ticket to attend in Bristol also includes a link to all weekend events on Zoom. Can I use this in my hotel? Can I share this link with my family?
If you are attending the final weekend onsite/live you will also be able to use the link to online attendance at your hotel or to share it with a family member.
How do I access the online elements?
There will be a system that allows you to log in via our website once you’ve set up your login with a password etc. This means that you can’t lose the link. Details about how to login will be sent out to you well in advance and we advise you to set up your login as soon as you receive it.
If I am on Zoom/online, can I participate, or am I just listening?
Because we are estimating large numbers of online participants you won’t be able to see each other as in a regular Zoom meeting. It will be a webinar where you can enter comments in the chat but not speak.
I would like to attend the Synod but I would only feel comfortable doing so if my identity was not revealed; how will my identity be kept confidential?
Because we are estimating large numbers of online participants you won’t be able to see each other as in a regular Zoom meeting and therefore your identity will be confidential.
Where do I find a copy of the programme?
It will be available on the website, you can download it here.
There are a lot of events at different times on different days? Will I be sent reminders with the link? You will be sent reminders at the start of each major session. There will be a system that allows you to log in via our website once you’ve set up your login with a password etc. This means that you can’t lose the link. Details about how to login will be sent out to you well in advance and we advise you to set up your login as soon as you receive it.
Start and end Times, are these in British Summer Time?
Yes.
How do I work out what British Summer Time is if I am Zooming from abroad?
There are a number of websites for working out world times. Here are two:
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com
https://greenwichmeantime.com
Most smartphones have inbuilt world time clocks as standard.
SPREAD THE WORD
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
[Luke 10: v2]
We need you to spread the word.
Below are downloadable templates for you to personalise.
 DOWNLOAD Synod 5-12 September 2021 Flier |  DOWNLOAD Sample Message to Recruit Friends |  DOWNLOAD Sample Short Piece for Parish Newsletter |
|---|---|---|
 DOWNLOAD Sample Letter to Your Bishop |  DOWNLOAD Sample Presentation to Congregation |