VATICAN - Seminar for Bishops organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity: “I ask you to approach movements with a great deal of love.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - From May 15 - 17, Bishops from 53 countries from among all the continents, along with founders and leaders of ecclesial movements and new communities, theologians and scholars, have all been invited by the Pontifical Council for the Laity to join in a dialogue and reflection on the theme of movements in the Church. The seminar is entitled: “I ask you to approach movements with a great deal of love,” a phrase which came in a talk addressed to a group of German bishops in Rome for their Ad Limina visit. The common reflection on the ecclesial movements and new communities will take place through lectures, working groups, testimonies, and discussion. There are also debates scheduled for the plenary session and discussions held among the Bishops and founders and leaders of the movements and communities present. The objectives are: to deepen knowledge of the theological-ecclesial and pastoral aspect of the ecclesial movements and new communities and mark out the role of Bishops in relation to them. The Seminar will conclude on Saturday, May 17, with an audience of participants with Pope Benedict XVI. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/5/2008; righe 14, parole 186)