Pope encourages Indonesian Church in missionary endeavours and witness

(October 07, 2011) In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim nation where the fundamental human right of freedom to practice one’s religion is guaranteed by the constitution, Pope Benedict XVI urged the tiny Catholic community in its missionary endeavours and witness, reminding them it is their right to be able to practice their faith, to build up the Church and to contribute to the common good. The Pope made the remark on Friday in the Vatican when he addressed the bishops of Indonesia on their 5-yearly ‘ad limina’ visit to Rome. “The missionary impulse remains essential to the Church’s life, and finds expression not only in the preaching of the Gospel, but also in the witness of Christian charity,” the Pope reminded the Indonesia bishops. This, he stressed, was the hallmark of every movement, action and expression of the Church, in all of her sacramental, charitable, educational and social endeavours. Saying that the freedom to live and preach the Gospel must always be justly and patiently upheld, the Pope said that it is also a right to be authentically and fully Catholic, to practice the faith, to build up the Church and to contribute to the common good, proclaiming the Gospel as Good News for all… While expressing his gratitude to priests and religious for their countless good works, particularly for the needy, the Pope encouraged the bishops to ensure their adequate formation and education. He also urged the Indonesian bishops in their efforts to promote and sustain interreligious dialogue.