26. Juni 2003 in English
Noting that all baptized persons are charged with the task of evangelization, of "preaching the Gospel to the whole creation," the Holy Father said
VATICAN (kath.net/VIS)
The Pope this morning welcomed thebishops of the ecclesiastical provinces of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Patna andRanchi in India and, in his talk to them in English, highlighted the task ofevangelization and the need for constant interreligious dialogue.
Noting that all baptized persons are charged with the task ofevangelization, of "preaching the Gospel to the whole creation," the HolyFather said: "How unfortunate it is then that even today in many places inIndia unnecessary obstacles still impede the teaching of the Gospel.Citizens of a modern democracy should not suffer because of their religiousconvictions. Nor should anyone feel compelled to hide his or her religion inorder to enjoy fundamental human rights, such as education and employment."
In particular the Pope underscored the challenge of "firstevangelization," saying that the initial contact with those who have not yetheard the Good News "demands of us all an intelligent and credibleexpression of the faith." He urged the bishops to ensure that they have"well-trained laity equipped and ready to be teachers of the faith." Nothingmust erode the good rapport that exists between bishops and catechists, headded. "At the same time, personal views originating from caste or tribalaffinity should never be allowed to cloud the authentic teaching of theChurch."
Turning to interreligious dialogue, John Paul II pointed out that theChurch is always respectful of differing cultures and people of differentreligions. "Interreligious dialogue will not only increase mutualunderstanding and respect for one another, but will also help to developsociety in harmony with the rights and dignity of all." Remarking that theChurch attempts to "dialogue" also through her institutions, schools,hospitals and dispensaries, he stated: "It is unfortunate that some of theChurch's honest attempts towards interreligious dialogue at its most basiclevel have sometimes been hindered by a lack of cooperation from thegovernment and by harassment from certain fundamentalist groups. India hasstrong traditions of respect for religious differences."
Telling the bishops he is "keenly aware of the trials" they face, the HolyFather affirmed: "It is disheartening to see the work of the Church oftencompromised by a lingering tribalism in certain parts of India. At timesthis tribalism has been so strong that some groups have even refused toreceive bishops and priests not from their clans, thus crippling the properfunctioning of Church structures and obscuring the essential nature of theChurch as communion. Tribal or ethnic differences must never be used as areason for rejecting a bearer of God's word."
The Pope said that he hoped bishops, priests and religious would not losezeal for their ministries because of the hardships they face. "It is my hopethat you will all continue to work closely together. In today'scircumstances there is an even greater need for mutual relations. Somedifficult and painful conflicts regarding the management of institutes andthe ownership of property have arisen in your region. These issues, however,are not insurmountable for those who live the Gospel in a spirit offraternal love and service."
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