Asian Laity congress’ final message to Pope, Asian laity

(September 6, 2010) The Congress of Asian Catholic Laity ended on Saturday in the South Korean capital, Seoul, with a message each for Pope Benedict XVI and for the lay people of the continent. The message to the Pope pointed to the deep awareness created during the Aug. 31-Sept 5^th congress about the specific mission of the laity “not only in building up their local Christian communities but also in making new pathways for the Gospel in every sector of society.” The laity acknowledged the difficult times they face where almost everywhere the Church faces strong headwinds and waves that prevail against her. “But, in these moments,” they said, “we hear again those reassuring words of the Lord: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Asia’s Catholic Laity Congress told the continent’s laypeople that “bearing witness to Jesus Christ, the universal Saviour” is their “great mission,” “supreme service and greatest gift that the Church can offer to the people of Asia.” It observed that notwithstanding unprecedented social transformation and rapid economic growth, the continent was facing serious problems regarding the promotion of freedom, justice, solidarity and the development of more humane living conditions. The congress expressed the conviction that the unique Christian contribution could be essential towards the resolution of these problems for the good of their people.” The congress message gratefully recalled those who ‘bear courageous witness to their faith in civil societies where the religious freedom of the individual is either denied or restricted, or those who suffer hostility from religious fundamentalists, or those who because of their faith, are threatened and persecuted by government authorities.