Queer Theology and a Synodal Catholic Church

Abstract

The emerging field of queer theology presents both a challenge and an opportunity to contemporary Catholic theology for deeper self-examination. In the context of a synodal Church, whereby the Catholic hierarchy consults and seriously considers the Spirit-guided insights of the sensus fidelium, queer theology can adequately respond to some of the challenges levied against Pope Francis’s inclusive vision. In order to do so, queer theology must be reframed as a project that stems from the lived experiences of the oppressed and their quest toward liberation. This article explores the field of queer theology and addresses some of the most contentious questions among theorists about the scope of the queer project. More importantly, the article synthesizes a historically conscious, eschatologically oriented, liberatory queer theology with Pope Francis’s synodal vision. The first part of this article explores contemporary theology on synodality. The second part explores the genealogy of queer theology. Finally, the third part constructs a Catholic queer theological framework that aids a synodal project. The conclusion will outline and explore some questions for future research.