Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Macao (Agenzia Fides) – In their Final Statement after the Meeting of Bishops of Portuguese-speaking churches, which took place in Macao (China) (see Fides 23/9/2008), the Bishops who had participated showed their concern for the frequently seen drama of trafficking in human persons, especially among women and children, that is promoted by highly-influential international organizations.
They also pointed out the increased number of people moving to the larger cities, which causes increased poverty and a lack of respect for human rights. This fact also leads to corruption. Another problem that the Bishops note is the “movement to reduce the Church’s influence in society.” Thus they “consider it essential to find the means for a deeper philosophical and theological reflection in dialogue with the contemporary and local cultures, capable of sustaining pastoral initiatives and promoting the quality of the Christian faith of the people.”
Among the positive aspects, they are grateful for the increase in academic scholarships for African students in universities in Brazil, Portugal, and other countries, and ask that the proper humane conditions be provided during this period of formation that is so important in the development of their home communities where they will later be sent after their formation.
The text from the Final Statement reads: “The memory of Macao, as a key place in missionary activity in the Far East and as a bridge and platform with China,” has inspired in the participants the desire to intensify their missionary experience as an essential path. They have all agreed on the urgent need to awaken the missionary spirit and the dormant consciences. “There is no situation, no matter how disconcerting it may be, that justifies a lack of missionary action. A heartfelt zeal in the preaching of the Gospel will always contribute to the growth of the local Church.”
Another one of the themes addressed by the Bishops in their meeting was globalization and its consequences. According to the Bishops, globalization has widened the gap between the rich and poor and thus, this necessarily must lead to a discernment in this process, seeking to take up the advantages that can be used to contribute to global solidarity.
At the end of the statement, the Bishops make a series of proposals including: offering a better network of communication; trying to place permanent focus on the realities, problems, and main challenges present in the various countries. The “Agencia Ecclesia” of Portugal should be the meeting point in this matter, along with the Fundação Evangelização e Culturas. They also ask that a volunteer exchange program be established to work in various areas according to the needs present in each country. The Bishops call for greater awareness among Catholic businesses, that they may invest more in the area of health care in the most needy areas, and reorganize the institutions present in the area of cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries: Fundação Evangelização e Culturas, Caritas, and the Help for the Church in Need, creating a more effective, qualitative, and universal awareness in supporting the Church’s various development projects. And lastly, the Bishops propose that a program for the promotion and valorization of the Portuguese language be established. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 29/9/2008)
