MONDAY, FEB. 21 - 3:15 p.m. | Fragility of Conversation

2022 CONFERENCE ON JUSTICE AND SOCIAL CONCERNS

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY THROUGH DIALOGUE AND ACTION: SYNODALITY AS JOURNEYING TOGETHER

MONDAY, FEB. 21 

3:15 p.m. | Fragility of Conversation 

Jeremy Wilkins, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Theology, Boston College 

Genuine conversation is based on the possibility of mutual understanding. But reaching mutual understanding requires a commitment to intelligent and careful listening. On the other hand, failures of understanding result in an increasingly absurd social situation in which the only thing that appears to get results is coercion. Resisting the seductive logic of coercion requires a hopeful embrace of the innate norms of intelligence and a willingness to accept the consequences of being misunderstood. Indeed, the kind of mutual understanding finally possible among sinners involves us, with the mystery of the cross and the theological virtue of hope. 

The 2022 Conference on Justice and Social Concerns is inspired by Fratelli Tutti: Encyclical Letter on Fraternity and Social Friendship by Pope Francis and the concept of synodality, a term the Catholic Church used to describe the process of togetherness and collaboration. 

The three-day conference will reflect on the last two chapters, Paths of Renewed Encounter and Religions in Service of Fraternity in Our World. 

The conference will examine the chapters as they speak to community, action and dialogue.

All events are free and open to the public. Unless otherwise stated, all sessions will be held in the University Center, Conference Room A. To find daily links and detailed conference information, including discussion topics and questions and speaker biographies, visit www.stmarytx.edu/conference.