Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church Symposium

The Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church Symposium marked a milestone in a pioneering international research project on lay governance in the Catholic Church. Led by ACU Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe, initially in partnership with Durham University, and moving towards a wider consortium, the project in its first year has explored the emergence and operation of lay-led canonical structures – specifically, Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (PJPs) – as expressions of synodal governance.

Held at ACU’s Rome Campus during the Jubilee Year, this symposium brought together theologians, canon lawyers, researchers and practitioners from around the world to explore governance models in which Catholic lay people play key decision-making roles in ministries such as education, healthcare, aged care and social services.

About the project

Now in its second year, the Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church project has identified more than 100 MPJPs or similar bodies across English-speaking countries. The research has highlighted both the canonical robustness and the theological richness of these structures, which are seen as living expressions of a post-Vatican II Church committed to shared leadership.

Findings also show that a significant proportion of MPJP trustees are lay women, bringing diverse professional and spiritual expertise to their roles.

Access the report

The first year of research has culminated in a comprehensive report, which includes:

• country profiles and case studies
• preliminary data and key findings
• theological and canonical reflections
• participant input from the Rome Symposium
• next steps and planned formation initiatives.

Full report available soon