Last week, saw the Caritas Social Action Network of England and Wales hold their leadership conference at Hinsley Hall in Leeds for the leaders of the various member organisations, including the YCW.
The conference was centered around the theme: “the social mission of the Church in a Covid-impacted society” and heard from speakers such as Raymond Friel, the new CEO of CSAN; Professor Jim McManus, Director of Public Health for Hertfordshire and adviser to the Bishops' Conference on Covid-secure worship; Dr Clare Watkins, Reader in Ecclesiology at Roehampton University; and Fr Jan Novotnik, Director of Mission at the Bishops' Conference.
The conference began by exploring the mission of the Church to further the kingdom of God in this life and to contribute to the liberation from everything that oppresses people. The delegates considered the strategic objectives of CSAN in this context, with an emphasis on developing leadership alliances, offering new programmes in formation and raising a prophetic voice in the public arena.
Very much in line with the YCW “See-Judge-Act” Method the delegates were asked to "see" in the current Covid pandemic the clearer examples of deeply-rooted inequality in our society. This was followed by a “judge” session on discernment in the light of the Gospel, what is the Spirit saying to us about what we see, how can we faithfully read the signs of the times?
In discussing how the delegates can “act” in response to this, Fr Jan Novotnik provided an overview of the synodal process which is just getting underway in the Church. He outlined that this was an opportunity for a new way of being Church, based on dialogue with each other and deep listening to the Holy Spirit.
Marc Besford, President of the YCW, attended the Conference and said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to come together and discuss these really important issues. Our world has been impacted massively by Covid and many of the issues discussed at the conference will be directly relevant to young people. I was therefore pleased to be there and help share some of the reality facing many YCW leaders.”
