Challenges for the Catholic Church
- Kevin Treston
- May 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 19
The death of Pope Francis and the conclave is stimulating much discussion about possible futures for the Christian faith in the modern world, especially the Catholic community. I have selected a random sample of themes which might initiate conversations, research, prayer and action. The themes are not presented in order of preferences, not do they include any details of elaboration. Perhaps further study of these themes and other themes not listed here may lead to a deepened spirituality for holistic living.
1. The Catholic church is at the beginning of a THIRD great phase in its 2000-year-old evolution. This third phase began to evolve towards the close of the 20th century and it will be a few hundred years before its transformed character becomes a more settled identity. Evolution is within the nature of all things, including the transformation of consciousness and Christ unitive consciousness.
2. The epicentre of the Catholic church will move in this century and following centuries to be less European and emerge as more vitalised in Africa and Asia. Church leaders will be more evident from Africa and Asia, especially from the marginal areas of church life.
3. There will be a fundamental review of the nature of the church and its purpose and mission in the the world and creation. In faith, we believe that Jesus did not found a new religion but, as God’s revelation, Jesus lived and taught about God’s vision for humanity within creation. This teaching focused on the reign of God, mentioned over 100 times in the scriptures (e.g. Matthew 6:33) and promoting ‘life in abundance’ (John 10:10). The reign of God is for everyone to live a more wholesome life within the energies of creation. The commitment of the church’s mission to promote and live ‘life in abundance’ is for everyone, not separated enclosed Chosen Ones. Pope Francis repeatedly emphasised that the mission of the church was for all to live in justice, peace, empathy and love (Colossians 1:16-17).
4. The teachings and structures of the church evolved out of the faith communities who experienced and taught about the Risen Christ. The historical heritage involving doctrines, ecclesial structures and authority roles are slowly being scrutinised and discerned in the light of the gospel. The synodality movement is a radical step to empower the laity to more fully participate in the active life of the church and its mission, according to the gift of their baptisms. There is no going back to a pre-synodality era.
5. The first creation of the universe 13.6 billion years ago emanated from the Divine Energy or Great Spirit. Perhaps another trinitarian icon of God is Spirit/Father/Son since Spirit is the beginning of all things. Everyone is called to be a Spirit energised person.
6. There is an exciting evolving relationship between religion and science in the mystery of the First Divine Spirit Energy and our appreciation of how quantum physics explains the universal nature of energy in relationship to matter. In quantum physics, matter is focused energy. For example, how the energy field of the Last Supper moves through morphic resonance of non-local connections into the energy fields of the Eucharist. The Christ energy field becomes a universal Presence through consecrated bread and wine through sharing a communal faith celebration. Science and religion should be partners in the quest for wisdom within an unfinished universe.
7. A celebration of God’s revelation is always a celebration of God within the expanse and mystery of the universe and creation. One of the great movements now in the Christian faith is to recover this essential feature of our identity as integral in creation and reject a dualism between spirit and matter. We belong within creation, not outside it. This recovery is buttressed by incorporating the wisdoms of the First Peoples of our various countries. In Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Peoples are beginning to enrich church life with the growing awareness of their traditions and the sacred myths of Dreaming.
8. Is the church inclusive by active welcoming and celebrating an ethnic multicultural character, diverse lifestyles, married, divorced, LGBTIQ and trans people?
9. Each of the great religions and esteemed traditions in the humankind story, such as Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Buddhism, reflects something of the focused energy of the Great or Universal Spirit. How does the church seek dialogue, concerted action for justice and communal ecumenical cooperation with these traditions to enhance the quality of life and creation?
10. Given the evolution of transhuman character emanating from the universalism of modern technology AI and CHATGPT, will the church pay increasing attention of its esteemed heritage of discernment, especially in cooperation with every holistic group in the wider community to promote justice and dignity of all peoples? Together all Spirit people reject the crass materialism of globalisation and dis/misinformation.
11. The era of patriarchy as a defining feature of how church authority is exercised is passing away. God is beyond all gender preferences. The inclusive gender character of Christian discipleship will more faithfully reflect the divine oneness that is beyond gender discrimination.
12. Our faith journeys will be infused with the hope and joy of a resurrected Christ. Grace awaits us, not in some distant celestial reward, but in fidelity to the everyday happenings of each day, each moment, every flower, each person we encounter, every breath that is given to us from Mother Earth. God’s grace is lived in the now.
13. How is the 2000-year-old heritage of church life remembered, honoured and celebrated with its devotions, cathedrals, pilgrimages, rosary, icons, music, art, rituals of faith communities, liturgies, religious orders, martyrs and congregations, services to the poor, mysticism, all of which testify to the Spirit gracing billions of people throughout the ages?
14. How does the whole church in communal discernment and integrated modern scholarship revise and reformulate teachings such as the doctrine of original sin, exclusion of women, atonement theology, scope of papal authority, mandatory celibacy for priesthood, gender, magisterium, the culture of clericalism, ecumenism etc ? Let Wisdom teach us. How will church leadership reconcile diversity within a core universal unity?
15. May our diverse spiritualities reflect something of the aspiration of the 14th century mystic Julian of Norwich towards the ONEING of all things in God’s love.
16. Other significant themes in an emerging church are….?
In the Introduction of my latest book ‘Choices for Life: The Beatitudes for Daily Living’ pp 9-26 I sought to express key emerging themes for a contemporary spirituality which propose the eight Beatitudes as a common charter for holistic communal living.
KEVIN TRESTON
0408192123
In 2026 I celebrate 70 years of public ministry in several countries, including all dioceses. of Australia.
FAQs: Challenges for the Catholic Church by Kevin Treston
What does Kevin Treston mean by the Catholic Church being in a third great phase of evolution?
Treston asserts that the Church has entered a new phase of its 2000-year history, evolving beyond its European roots toward a more global, Spirit-infused identity. He notes that this phase involves transformation of consciousness, more inclusive leadership, and renewed mission. Research supports that Christianity is growing fastest in Africa and Asia, suggesting that the centre of gravity is shifting. (Source: Pew Research Center; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
How is synodality changing the power structure in the Church?
Synodality refers to a movement toward greater participation by laity in church life. Treston highlights this as a key challenge and opportunity. It involves reviewing doctrines, authority roles, and decision-making so that baptised members, not only clergy, share in mission. Surveys among Catholics show that many want more laypeople involved in leadership and governance. (Source: Pew Religious Landscape Study; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
Why does church leadership need to pay attention to science, quantum physics, and energy metaphors?
One theme in Treston’s article is that church teachings are being reframed in light of new scientific understanding. For example, quantum physics offers images of energy, connectivity, and non-local relationships. Treston suggests that using energy metaphors (such as “Spirit energy”) helps faith stay relevant to educated seekers. Studies show that faith traditions that engage science tend to retain more young adults. (Source: Barna Group; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
What role does inclusivity play in addressing current challenges for the Catholic Church?
Inclusivity is central to many of the challenges Treston outlines. He asks whether the Church is truly embracing ethnic, gender, marginalized, LGBTIQ, and cultural diversity in both membership and leadership. Data from many western countries show declines in church affiliation among LGBTIQ people and younger generations who care deeply about inclusion. Treston argues that a more inclusive church will better reflect the “reign of God” lived in justice, peace, empathy and love. (Source: Pew Research Center; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
How does moving away from patriarchy affect the Catholic Church’s future?
Treston forecasts that patriarchy as a defining feature of church authority will diminish. This means more equal roles for women, reconsideration of mandatory celibacy for priests, and less hierarchical culture. When institutions shift to partnership models and collaborative governance, they often retain more trust and relevance. Scholars on institutional change report that organisations embracing gender equity see stronger engagement, especially among younger cohorts. (Source: academic journal on religion & gender studies; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
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