Claudia Avila Cosnahan, Director of Mission and Partnerships joined the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS) for its annual 4-day colloquium in June. Meeting in Dover, Massachusetts, the colloquium’s theme was “Synodality En Conjunto: The People of God, the Bible, and Theology.”

The academy practices theologia en conjunto, a process that prioritizes intellectual collegiality and communal theological discernment. ACHTUS gathers its membership to discuss theological topics attentive to the sign of the times, anchored by papers submitted by the members themselves.

Panelists were invited to reflect on the five priorities advanced by the USCCB’s Synod final report. Panelists reminded the membership that the final USCCB report was exactly that — a report. As the colloquium reflected on the United State’s reception of the official process set forth by Pope Francis, it was made clear by the panelists that the process was meant to propel an ongoing reception and practice of synodality.

The first day of sessions began with a message from Pope Francis. Theologians were moved by the gesture, as this was the first time in the academy’s history that a pope addressed the work of the colloquium.  Francis highlighted the academy’s role as a builder of theological and synodal bridges across the Americas. Reflecting a commitment to this task, the colloquium featured a panel that included theologians from Latin American countries. Among them was Emilce Cuda, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Their papers, presentations, and discussions represented a process of continental theological synodality.