The 13^th National Annual BBI eConference promises to offer stimulating dialogue. The church, no different from any area of life, is an organisation in flux. The conference title names our time as one of ‘chaos’. This gives us the chance to reflect on our age from different perspectives and consider how to continue to move forward – under the leadership of Pope Francis.

A coup in this year’s presenting team is the presence of Professor Massimo Faggioli from Philadelphia, one of the foremost and incisive current commentators on the leadership of Pope Francis. He will be accompanied by a fine supporting panel: Sr Clare Condon sgs, whom many know via her regular column in The Good Oil and her experience of leadership in the church; Dr Gerald Arbuckle, an internationally respected theologian and anthropologist and well-known civic leader Elizabeth Proust, who will also be particularly significant because of her role as member of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council. Many will also know Sr Ruth Durick osu, both as current president of Catholic Religious Australia and in her role with the Commission for Australian Catholic Women. Other panellists include Mr Paul Kelly, Editor at Large, The Australian, and Professor Bob Carr, former NSW Premier. This highly competent and representative team understands well, from experience, the nature of leadership.

The eConference has been a timely and successful initiative and its popularity now extends well beyond our shores. It enables us - in small, local groups or at our own, home computer – to engage in the best of learning. Featured speakers offer short input which then initiates engagement with participants across the airwaves, and in local groups, to discuss during session breaks and lunch. There is also opportunity for anyone to submit questions during sessions, making it truly participative. Panel discussion usually concludes the half-day conference.

So spread the news about this eConference - it will be significant! Ideally there will be a group gathered in each parish community; some are listed below. Those unable to watch the live eConference can access a recording on the BBI website for about two weeks, prior to its being converted to DVD which can be widely utilised and revisited.

The BBI eConference screens Thursday 10 August 2017 from 10.30 am to 2.45 pm. Live site gatherings are available at different locations across the diocese per below, or you can participate individually via the BBI eConference website.

The learning doesn’t stop on the day. For further information, please call diocesan Adult Faith Formation Office, (02) 4979 1134.

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