My four-part essay series reflecting on my experience as Consultor to the global Synod on Synodality is live, posted on the newly debuted “Engaging the Divides” forum for USC’s Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies. Across the collection, I contemplate and share stories from my role as a social scientist at the Vatican, the Synod’s engagement with questions around women and women’s roles in the Church, how hierarchy operates alongside synodality, and what might unfold from here.

While it’s hard to capture in words the wide range of experiences and emotions provoked by the transformational opportunity to convene alongside the Pope and so many thoughtful Catholic voices in Rome, I’m grateful for every opportunity to reflect, share, and dialog about the Synod’s meanings and implications — particularly through the lens of sociology.

Read each of my essays here:

Part I — All in the Hall: An Insider’s Reflection on the Synod on Synodality

Part II — Where Women Sit: An Insider’s Reflection on the Synod on Synodality

Part III — About the Pope: An Insider’s Reflection on the Synod on Synodality

Part IV — All Synod is Local: An Insider’s Reflection on the Synod on Synodality

Synodality is itself an ongoing conversation. Please reach out with invitations or opportunities to further share and dialog!