Asian religious grapple with human rights, modern culture

(December 7, 2009) The rights of women Religious and their equality in dignity with men Religious and priests should be respected, says the final statement of a recent Asian symposium on consecrated life. The symposium organized by the Office of Consecrated Life of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC-OCL), was held Nov. 16-21 in Hua Hin, Thailand. The final statement released recently also stressed that a greater commitment to fostering human rights within religious congregations and the Church as a whole should be made. About 60 men and women Religious, including several bishops, attended the symposium, which had the theme, “The Impact of Today’s Culture on the Church, Especially as Regards Consecrated Life in Asia Today.” Participants discussed the impact of modern culture on Religious life in Asia, and discussed issues ranging from social justice and moral relativism to social communication and spirituality. This was the second symposium held by the FABC-OCL. The first was held in July 2005, at the same venue, a year after the office was set up.