Synod expresses solidarity with Nigeria, victims of sex abuse

(October 12, 2012) The Synod of Bishops have expressed solidarity with Nigeria, wishing that religion in the West African nation be not politicized. The Oct. 7-28 synod that is discussing New Evangelization, also touched upon the issue of sex abuse scandal, which participants said the Church must admit. Participants began the 7th general congregation Friday morning with a prayer for Nigeria, particularly the strife-torn north dominated by Muslims. The assembly expressed closeness with the bishops of country who have been trying to promote peace and justice, hoping that religion be not manipulated for political ends, but rather be a true catalyst of reconciliation. With regard to sex abuse scandal, the synod fathers said that rather than forgetting the victims of such abuse, the Church must listen to them trying to understand their pain and disillusionment. It must go beyond and create healthy conditions for children and the most vulnerable. To bring this about a change of mentality and structures is needed in the Church, with greater involvement of women. Another major issue at Friday morning’s working session was priesthood, regarding which participants admitted there is a link between the crisis of faith and the crisis of vocation. Other issues that featured were the problem of poverty, the relation between science and faith, the Church’s education ministry, secularization and dialogue with non-believers.
Earlier Thursday afternoon the synod fathers Synod heard about parishes and means of social communication. The synod fathers defined parishes as ‘privileged places’ of new evangelization and the transmission of faith. They said that pastors, teachers and catechists need to understand the challenge of the new evangelization in a world where mass communication exercises great power over man’s religion and morality. Through mass media the Church must help the faithful enter the mystery of faith. The synod fathers also discussed issues such as the sick and suffering, those who have drifted away from the Church and children of divorced and remarried couples.