Vatican: Statement on collaboration in dialogue with LCWR
(Vatican Radio) The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation
for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life have for some time
been collaborating on a renewed theological vision of Religious Life in the Church.
The concern of the Holy See, expressed partially in the Doctrinal Assessment of the
Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the United States, is motivated
by a desire to support the noble and beautiful vocation of Religious so that the eloquent
witness of Religious Life may prosper in the Church to the benefit of future generations.
The initiatives of the Holy See in this area are concerned primarily with
the faith of the Church and its expression in Religious Life. The Church’s faith—in
the loving plan of the Father who sent his Son to be our Savior, in the inspiration
of Sacred Scripture, in the gift of grace through the Sacraments, in the nature of
the Church guided by the Holy Spirit—this faith is at the heart of the Evangelical
Counsels. It motivates the passion for justice shared by so many Religious women
and men, and it seeks ever to be expressed in active charity towards those most in
need.
Recent media commentary on remarks made on Sunday May the 5th during
the General Assembly of the International Union of Superiors General by Cardinal João
Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life, has
suggested a divergence between the CDF and the Congregation for Religious in their
approach to the renewal of Religious Life. Such an interpretation of the Cardinal’s
remarks is not justified. The Prefects of these two Congregations work closely
together according to their specific responsibilities and have collaborated throughout
the process of the Doctrinal Assessment of the LCWR. Archbishop Gerhard Müller, Prefect
of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Cardinal Braz de Aviz met yesterday
and reaffirmed their common commitment to the renewal of Religious Life, and particularly
to the Doctrinal Assessment of the LCWR and the program of reform it requires, in
accordance with the wishes of the Holy Father.