Waterford’s ‘café theology’ attracts large numbers to discuss faith issues

Bishop introduced initiative based on ‘Theology on Tap’ in the US

A large crowd gave a standing ovation to the first ‘Café Theology’ event organised by the new Bishop of Waterford & Lismore to encourage people to discuss faith issues.

Based on the ‘Theology on Tap’ programme popular in the US, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, who stressed the need to reach out to those “who have turned away from the practice of the faith” at his episcopal ordination in April, launched Café Theology in the tapestry room of the Granville Hotel in Waterford last week.

The guest speaker was John Waters, who discussed the topic of ‘God and the Constitution’, and received a standing ovation from the about 140 people present. This was followed by a lively question and answer session chaired by Sr Antoinette Dilworth.

Reach out

Bishop Cullinan told The Irish Catholic that he ran a similar programme as a priest in Limerick diocese to “get out into places where ordinary people may meet. To reach out to people who would not come to a church or a parish hall.

“It is a way of encouraging people to start thinking for themselves,” he said. “After the talk you see people huddle in groups and keeping the discussion going. It is a starter for people to go away with clearer thoughts and deeper questions. People who went in a little doubtful, hear things that give them food for thought and to think outside the box.”

The next Café Theology event takes place on June 10 in the Tapestry Room of the Granville Hotel, Waterford from 7.30-9pm. The guest speaker is Dawn Eden, a former rock-musician journalist from the US and former editor at the New York Daily News, who became famous for her outspoken defence of chastity and purity after a dramatic conversion to Catholicism. She will speak on the topic: ‘Is sex love? Why chastity is key’.