World-renowned Dutch theologian, ecumenist and consultor to several Vatican bodies, Dr Myriam Wijlens, shared deep insights on the value of listening, the journey of synodality, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Church, as part of the ‘Bishop Vincent Presents’ free series of public lectures hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta.
Held at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, on the evening of 5 August, the contemporary and challenging lecture on ‘The prophetic voice of the laity in the renewal of the Catholic Church’ attracted 200 attendees as well as more than 570 online viewers via the livestream and live chat.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, said Dr Wijlens provided unique insights and new depths about the future of the Church.
“You are a truly contemporary embodiment of Catholic women’s wisdom, courage and moral authority,” Bishop Vincent said.
“We are so honoured to listen to you in person, and to be inspired and challenged by you.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and Dutch theologian Dr Myriam Wijlens following her public lecture at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
In her lecture, Dr Wijlens reflected on the upcoming session of the global Synod on Synodality in October, of which she is a coordinating committee member. She unpacked the process of the Synod in its listening and discernment of current issues, having been involved in the Synod since its beginning.
“The Synod on Synodality is a process that may well be characterised as the people of God awakening by coming out of hibernation into becoming pilgrims of hope … to a world so much in need of it,” Dr Wijlens said.
In this journey towards a synodal Church, Dr Wijlens clarified that “the Church” cannot be defined as a congregation of bishops, but as the “people of God”.
“Being and becoming a synodal Church requires the need to reflect about the participation of all baptised in the Catholic faith,” she said.
The world Synod has brought burning topics to the fore, such as the participation of women and people “on the margins of society and the Church”.
“The participation of women is relevant in each and every local Church in each form of the world. It is not just a Western topic,” Dr Wijlens said.
Dutch theologian Dr Myriam Wijlens speaks during her public lecture at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
In February 2024, Dr Wijlens was elected vice moderator of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches – the first time ever a Catholic woman has ever been nominated and elected to his prestigious role.
Dr Wijlens said canon law does not prevent women as consultants to the Church.
“As a canon lawyer, I can assure you, it is not forbidden for a bishop to listen to women,” she said.
“It’s not forbidden for a bishop to appoint women as his consultors and to see to statutes that secure their participation in a substantial way.”
Dr Wijlens said the best way to walk the journey together through synodality is to “learn by doing”.
“This learning process takes experience extremely seriously, and that is totally new in our Church,” she said.
Dutch theologian Dr Myriam Wijlens speaks during her public lecture at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“We want to enable people to get an experience of participation, listen to the experience of all members of the people of God, and then reflect on this together.”
Dr Wijlens said there is a great circularity in this process under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of “listening, deepening, discerning and deciding”.
She said the Diocese of Parramatta is leading by example.
“Due to the Plenary Council, you have already an opportunity to see this doctrine at work. Then you celebrated a diocesan synod in the Diocese of Parramatta.
“So you already have an experience of this, which puts you in so many ways, ahead of the rest of the Church. The rest of the Church is not where you are at yet.
“And at the same time … the rest of the world has taken notice of your Plenary Council with great interest,” she said.
The lecture provided an opportunity for robust conversations and questions in person and online, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Participants in discussion during the public lecture by Dutch theologian Dr Myriam Wijlens at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, in August 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“It was great. There was a lot to digest … I need to go home and really sit and think about it,” one attendee said.
“I’ve heard Dr Myriam speak before, and I find her lectures very interesting,” said another.
We thank Dr Wijlens for sharing her insights with us. Following her stay in Parramatta, she will be presenting at Newman College in Melbourne on Wednesday 14 August at 5pm.
View images from Dr Myriam’s public lecture here.
You can watch the full livestream video of the lecture on our YouTube channel here or below.
