AMERICA/CHILE - “The Church must rekindle the people’s missionary spirit and encourage them to promote a culture of life” says President of CELAM, Cardinal Errázuriz Ossa

Santiago de Chile (Fides Service) - Speaking of themes be discussed at the 5th CELAM General Conference Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz Ossa, archbishop of Santiago and President of Council of Latin American Bishops’ Conferences CELAM, said in a recent interview with Aid to the Church in Need said the Conference will focus on the human person called to be a disciple of Christ and also discuss the question of spreading religious sects.
Recalling that the situation of the Church in Latin America has changed in the past 12/15 years (growing gap between rich and poor; corruption, drug abuse and criminal violence are most concerning social problems today), he said the Church must rekindle the missionary spirit among Christians and encourage them to fight to promote a culture of life: “Efforts made today by Christian communities, movements and Church school institutions will bear fruit tomorrow”. The Cardinal said that in preparation for CELAM two congresses will be held: one in Bogota (Colombia) on Apostolic Movements and the other in Mexico on Marian Devotion so deeply rooted in the people of Latin America. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2005, righe 15, parole 206)