2012-06-22 18:49:04

Growing religious pluralism requires serious consideration: Pope


June 22, 2012: Colombia is not immune to the consequences of ignoring God. But I know the efforts made in recent times to realize initiatives to foster a renewed and fruitful stream of evangelization’, said Pope Benedict XVI while addressing the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia on Friday in Vatican. The Bishops are on their ad limina visit to Rome.

While years ago it was possible to recognize a cultural unit, widely accepted in reference to the content of faith and inspiration but it does not seem to be so today in the vast sectors of society, because of the crisis of spiritual values. It is therefore essential to revive in all conscience to be faithful disciples and missionaries of Christ, to nourish the roots of their faith, hope and charity, the Pontiff added.

He exhorted the bishops to take advantage of the reflections of the next Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, and the proposals of the "Year of the faith".

The growing religious pluralism is a factor that requires serious consideration, the Pope told the bishops.
The increasingly active presence of Pentecostal and Evangelical communities, cannot be ignored or undervalued. He said that the people of God are called to purify and revitalize their faith moved by the Holy Spirit, because people often sincerely leaves our Church mainly not because of doctrinal but experiential, not for purely dogmatic, but pastoral, not theological but methodological problems of our Church." It is therefore to be better Christians, more pious, affable and welcoming in our parishes and communities, so that no one feels distant or excluded.

The Pontiff urged them to promote Catechesis, giving special attention to youth and adults. He also suggested carefully prepared homilies and promoting the teaching of Catholic doctrine in schools and universities.

The Pope also reflected on the impact of violence in Colombia, the victims of natural disasters, the poor , the peasants, the sick and afflicted, the migrants. He insisted on the faithful to promote a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, meditate regularly the Word of God and participating in the sacraments. He invited all to conversion and holiness.

Earlier Archbishop Ruben Salazar Gomez, Archbishop of Bogota and President of the Episcopal Conference, presented to the Pontiff the realities which concern them, and the challenges they face.








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