Conversation in the Spirit
A Guide to the Synodal Method
Published on 7. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
112 pages
978-1-78812-728-8 (ISBN)
Description
The Final document of the Synod on Synodality (2021-2024) was agreed using a method some describe as the most expansive conversation in the history of the Church to date. Neither dialogue nor debate, neither democratic nor authoritarian, conversation in the Spirit encourages us to come together, recognising that the Spirit speaks in and through us all. As old as the church itself, conversation in the spirit was practised by St Augustine and St Ignatius of Loyola made it the basis for the Society of Jesus. It can inform decision-making at every level, from parish through to the local, regional and even universal Church.
In Conversation in the Spirit: A Guide to the Synodal Method, authors Juan A. Guerrero Alves SJ & Oscar Martin Lopez SJ draw together the contributions of Augustine, Cassian and Ignatius, the formal documents of the synod, and practical examples of conversation in the Spirit in action. Working with Austen Ivereigh, Alves and Lopez have prepared this revised English-language edition of a soon-to-be classic guide to synodality and discernment.
In Conversation in the Spirit: A Guide to the Synodal Method, authors Juan A. Guerrero Alves SJ & Oscar Martin Lopez SJ draw together the contributions of Augustine, Cassian and Ignatius, the formal documents of the synod, and practical examples of conversation in the Spirit in action. Working with Austen Ivereigh, Alves and Lopez have prepared this revised English-language edition of a soon-to-be classic guide to synodality and discernment.
Reviews / Votes
[This book] is bound to be a work of great influence. * The Irish Catholic * 'indicates 'a methodology that enables all to participate in the service of the Church's communion and mission' * The Furrow * 'Places the [synodal] process in context, drawing on insights from scripture, history, psychology and theology..., an excellent practical foundation.' * The Way *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Dublin 2
Ireland
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
Weight
154 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78812-728-8 (9781788127288)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Juan Antonio Guerrero Alves SJ is director of the St Ignatius Spirituality Centre in Salamanca. He was prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy of the Holy See from 2019-2022.
Oscar Martin Lopez, SJ is vice-rector of the Jesuit University of Paraguay, director of the journal Accion, and a member of the national Paraguayan synodal team.
Austen Ivereigh is a fellow in Contemporary Church History at Campion Hall, Oxford, best known for his books on and with Pope Francis.
Oscar Martin Lopez, SJ is vice-rector of the Jesuit University of Paraguay, director of the journal Accion, and a member of the national Paraguayan synodal team.
Austen Ivereigh is a fellow in Contemporary Church History at Campion Hall, Oxford, best known for his books on and with Pope Francis.