Nearly 50 theologians from all continents gathered in Boston to reflect on the current global situation and find grounds for renewed hope through networking.

In Boston, on the Boston College campus, scholars from around the world gathered from July 17-19 to participate in the Catholic Theological Ethics Network (CTEWC), which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2028.

In the first session, the network reviewed the projects in development and their projections: its monthly newsletter, The FIRST; its website; the book series; the virtual roundtables (whose network representative is Suzanne Mulligan); the directory of academics; and the Enrico Dolazza academic mobility program.

Father James Keenan SJ, a founding member of the network, added, “We want to offer theologians and scholars working in the field of ethics all the potential our network has for inclusion and connection.”

On the 18th and 19th, under the modality of the Synod’s spiritual conversation, continental and mixed groups worked to address contemporary ethical challenges (climate change, migrants and refugees, ideological and political radicalization, cancellation and social media, women and theology, the youth agenda, among others) from the heart and mind, “encouraged to seek paths of reconciliation and lasting peace for the world and the Church, from the perspective of sodality and in the context of the Jubilee of Hope,” noted Antonio Autiero of   the network’s Global Committee.

In this regard, Pablo A. Blanco*, a member of the network’s Global Committee, a conference participant, and coordinator for the atin American and Caribbean region, noted, “We feel the need to broaden the agenda of issues of ethical and theological reflection, to be closer to the concerns of the new generations of theologians, connecting with other disciplines that address ethical issues, for example, issues such as emerging technologies and human dignity, throwaway culture and vulnerability; religious freedom and intercultural dialogue; economy and sustainability, among others.”

Blanco then added, “We believe that every issue should be addressed from a perspective of unity that considers at least the following dimensions of dialogue: interdisciplinary, interreligious, ecumenical, intercultural, and intersubjective.”

The final session was then dedicated to projecting the network more connected to the global and Catholic Church’s agenda, with continental groups considering how to develop and articulate strategies for the future from the local context.

Keenan also announced in this context the recent creation of the fifth regional committee for North America, creating a new space for continental reflection. Kristin Heyer, also North American and a member of the Global Committee, stated, “In recent days, we have put our imagination to work to expand our networks and generate a wide variety of plans and dreams for a more inclusive, just, and supportive world.”

Shaji G. Kochuthara, delegate for Asia, expressed the Committee’s desire to “grow even further in our relationship with the dicasteries and to be active collaborators in the synodal process of the Church.”

Andrea Vicini, an Italian and also a member of the Committee, emphasized that “there was enormous generosity during these four days, especially from those who came from outside the U.S. Their courage and dedication profoundly impacted our conference, and we all benefited.”

Theresa Kiragu, the African regional representative or Kenya and the Committee, spoke about “the need for dialogue in the global south, linking the rich Afro-Latin American intercultural heritage.”

Finally, Pablo A. Blanco noted, “Perhaps our task is not to give hope, but rather, through our work, to be a sign of hope—and for hope—for so many who need it today.”

*Reference: Pablo A. Blanco is a professor of undergraduate and graduate studies at UCA, UBA, UNLP and CLAdeES, Director of the Institute of Spirituality and Pastoral Action (UCA), and Coordinator of the Chair of Christian Thought (UNNOBA).