Halík recently participated in a synodal gathering convened by the Vatican, highlighting concerns over parish priests' exclusion from previous synodal sessions and stressing the importance of their involvement in decision-making processes.

"We see ourselves as a societes perfecta", a perfect society that is too self-sufficient, said Halík.

Addressing the prevalent culture of clericalism, Halík commends Pope Francis' efforts. But he also drew attention to what he sees as "ecclesial triumphalism".

"Ecclesial triumphalism" he said, is a prideful, widespread attitude defined by a Catholicism that is closed off from the world around it.

In an address to the parish priests attending the synodal gathering, Halík lamented that "some Christians, alarmed by the rapid changes of the world, want to make the church an island of unchanging certainties".

"There are still places where the parish priest sees himself as the pope of his parish.

"The church confers the gift of infallibility on only one of its members, and then only under strictly limited conditions" he continued.

"And if even a pope relies on several consultative councils to help him make his decisions, how much more should a parish priest listen to those he has been sent to serve?"

Self-castration of the Catholic Church

Underscoring the diverse perspectives within the Church, Halík encouraged candid discussions on various contentious issues including LGBTQ inclusion and married priests.

Halík stressed the importance of embracing diversity and engaging with secular society. He criticised calls for withdrawal from the world as anti-Catholic, advocating for openness and universality.

"No wonder these people have an affinity for [Vladimir] Putin, [Viktor] Orban etc." he added.

"This type of closed Catholicism always has an affinity with totalitarian and authoritarian systems. To choose this way is the self-castration of the Catholic Church."

The synod process initiated by Francis, Halík said, takes incredible courage.

"He is not a progressive theologian, but he is a very wise pastor. He has empathy and humour, and an open heart, combined with the Jesuit strategy to go step by step."

Halík said there are those throughout the church, including in his home country, who are simply waiting for another pope to succeed Francis in hopes of a course correction.

"I think it is not possible" he said. "They are changes that are unchangeable, and he has opened the way."

Sources

National Catholic Reporter

CathNews New Zealand

Halík, also an acclaimed author, lecturer, psychotherapist, psychologist of religion and pastoral theologian at Charles University in Prague, joined in conversation at Victoria University Wellington's Law faculty.

Halík focussed on a number of issues facing the Church that he said were metaphorically the "afternoon of Christianity".

In an evocative address that spanned the personal and the theological, Halík, who is also a Czech theologian and clandestine priest ordained under communist suppression, delivered a powerful address highlighting the urgent need for reform within the Christian Church.

The crux of Halík's address was his call for a "deep reform" of the Church, extending beyond structural reorganisation to a profound transformation of its mentality and approach to spirituality.

Halík focussed on a number of issues facing the Church. He emphasised the concept of synodality, he advocated for a Church that fosters dialogue and openness, not just within its own hierarchy but also in its engagement and communication with the world at large. This includes other religions, non-believers and the broader ecological environment.

Halík argued that the challenges facing the Church are an opportunity.

In stark contrast to the institutionally rigid Church of the past, he drew on his experiences of ecumenical unity among persecuted Christians in communist prisons, stressing the importance of an open, serving and poor Church.

One of the most controversial aspects of Halik's speech was his critique of the reasons used to oppose the ordination of women.

Halík openly challenged traditional justifications for excluding women from priesthood by questioning the relevance of Christ's selection of male Jewish apostles for shaping contemporary Church practices.

His comment underscores a broader critique of the Church's resistance to modern societal values including gender equality.

Reflecting on what he metaphorically called the "afternoon of Christianity" he suggested a hopeful vision for the future of the Church, one that embraces change and seeks to find God in all aspects of life.

He called for a new chapter in Christian history, marked by a contemplative approach to faith that recognises the diverse spiritual journeys of all individuals, regardless of their formal religious affiliations.

Halík suggested that, in rapidly changing times, the Church faces both internal challenges and external pressures,

Halík says that going backwards, or even the status quo, has no future outside creating a small, almost ideological Church. He said that reform and inclusivity offer a pathway toward a more open, vibrant and engaged Christian faith in the 21st century.

Halík, a prolific author, is also a close advisor to the last President of Czechoslovakia, Václav Havel, and a prestigious Templeton prize winner.

Victoria University of Wellington, Te Kupenga and the Archdiocese of Wellington sponsored the Conversation.

Source

• Supplied