Forming Our Consciences: Practicing Our Faith in a World of Gray

Forming Our Consciences: Practicing Our Faith in a World of Gray is a six-part series examining the formation of one’s conscience in a world that is often not black nor white, but gray. The series of six interconnected talks, delivered by distinguished spiritual guides and leaders, will take place over the course of the fall in 2021, and will include remarks around hot-button social issues that challenge our faith, alongside the opportunity for reflection and sharing.
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Session 1: Sunday, September 12

Fr. John Coleman, S.J. on Discernment and the Galatians

An examination of the disputes between St. Peter and St. Paul about whether all of the Jewish rules, including food regulations and the circumcision of adult males had to apply to Gentile converts ( cf. Galations 2: 1-14) which involved an early attempt by the church to deal with discernment of spirits and a way to form conscience.

John Coleman, S.J. is an Associate Pastor at St. Ignatius Parish. A previously endowed professor with his own chair, Fr. Coleman has authored or edited some 90 chapters in books dealing with social issues and sociology.
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Session 2: Sunday, September 19

Lisa Fulam on Ethics and Conscience Formation

Professor Lisa Fulham of the Jesuit School of Theology Berkeley connected with the University of Santa Clara. A distinguished author of many books and chapters and a renowned moral theologian.

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Session 3: Sunday, October 17

Nathan Hinerman on Discernment and Euthanasia

Nathanael Hinerman teaches at the School of Nursing and Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Francisco. He focuses on the issues of death and dying, and end of life care.

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Session 4: Sunday, November 14

Peter Henriot, S.J. on Discernment and Capital Punishment

Peter Henriot S.J. holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago. He was director of the Center of Concern in Washington, D.C. from 1978-1988. The author of many books, Henriot was also the director of the Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection in Zambia, and helped found the Loyola Jesuit School in Kasangu, Malawi. He recently served as a chaplain at the ICE Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington.

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Session 5: Sunday, November 21

James Martin, S.J. on Discernment and the LGBTQ Community

James Martin S.J. is an editor of America magazine, an a prolific author of books and articles with a one of the largest social media profiles in the Catholic community. He  has served worked closely with the Vatican, including Pope Francis, on issues related to the LBGTQ community. His most recent book, How to Pray, was published in 2020.
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Session 6: Sunday, December 5

Lucas Sharma on Discernment and Racism

Lucas Sharma holds master’s degrees in both sociology and philosophy. He was a research fellow at the Catholic Thought and Culture Institute at Seattle University, and is an editor for the Conversations on Jesuit Higher Education publication.  He led an important series of reflections on racism at Saint Ignatius Parish this past year and will be ordained a deacon this fall.