Collegiality is a common concept in the pastoral life of the church and has a different definition in different denominations. The Roman Catholic tradition defines collegiality as “the Pope is governing the Church in collaboration with the bishops of the local Churches, respecting their proper autonomy”. It is, however, a very dynamic concept that presented itself in a different light after the Vatican II.
In this session of the Anselm Study Circle of (20th March 2018), we will discuss the historical background and the influence of Vatican II in redefining the concept of collegiality, as in the “LUMEN GENTIUM” of 1964.
The materials for this session are published by many theologians, especially in the first issue the journal Concilium (January 1965) which can be a good source of discussing the subject of collegiality. (See below).
Here are some links to background information:
- Some information about the concept of Collegiality
- Collegiality: The Church’s Pandora’s Box
- Collegiality in the Catholic Church
- Pastoral Collegiality and Accountability in Calvin’s GenevaInterview with Cardinal Ratzinger on Communion and Episcopal Collegiality
Some papers to read, (Please read at least one paper)
The Church: The People of God YVES CONGAR
- The Pastoral Implications of Episcopal Collegiality Joseph Ratzinger
- The Principle of Collegiality By Philip C. L. Gray
- The Uncertain Future Of Collegiality
- Some Considerations on Collegiality and Synodality in the Light of Lumen Gentium Primacy
- In Collegiality The Primacy Of The Pope And The Unity Of The People Of God By Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
- Primacy And Collegiality In The Works Of Joseph Ratzinger by • Richard G. DeClue
If you want to read “Lumen gentium,” the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church”, which is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. First Published in 1964. Chapter 3 discusses the concept of collegiality.
We hope these materials will be good sources for discussion, please select and read as much as you can (at least one).