Power, Control and Pluralism: Being Church in a Secular Age
William J. Cahoy, Ph.D.
Emmaus Hall, Saint John's University- Collegeville, MN
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What is the church's place in an increasingly secular, pluralistic society? Is it our mission to be in control as a way to advance the kingdom of God? If not, how do we bring about just, humane structures and policies in society? To address such questions we will engage in a theological reflection on power and its relation to love and control. Our reflection will be informed by the character of God's power as revealed in Scripture and the person of Christ. It will also consider Vatican II's Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Decree on Religious Liberty, the example of Pope Francis, and the exercise of power in the church.
Dr. Cahoy, Dean Emeritus and Associate Professor of Theology, served as Dean of Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary from 1995-2015. He completed his masters and doctoral work at Yale University, and served as chair of the Department of Theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. He currently directs a Lilly-funded project to equip pastoral leaders for community formation in parishes and congregations.