Transparency in Church administration will strengthen trust and harmony: Card. Gracias

October 18, 2012: The Christian message and morality need to be presented as the sustainable way for the future of mankind’s progress, development and happiness for a fullness of life.” Said Card. Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay and Secretary General of the "Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences" (F.A.B.C.) on Wednesday at the Synod of Bishops.

The Synod of Bishops, Oct. 7-28 is presently in session at the Vatican. Speaking further on the occasion Card. Gracias also said, “A restlessness is noticed in the world. The Arab Spring: a striving for freedom and opportunity; the climate change; the campaign against corruption, seeking probity in public life. The Gospel is not silent on these issues. It teaches us the dignity of the human person; the benefits of creation to be shared by all with justice and equity; all authority is for service, not dominion. The New Evangelization must proclaim this Gospel message loud and clear. The Gospel has answers to the questions of our time.”

“In some places, civil legislation limits the freedom of worship and proclamation. This is to be combated especially in the international arena as a violation of human rights and a limit to human freedom. It is not just a Church problem, it is a human problem. In a Church which is in a minority, there is even more urgency and necessity for the hierarchy, clergy and laity to be united and work together. The laity and youth in particular need to be trusted, trained and guided for an effective new evangelization. Openness and transparency in all Church administration will further strengthen this trust and harmony.” He said.