AMERICA/COLOMBIA - A special place for ethnic minorities in the synodal journey

Monday, 7 February 2022 indigenous ethnic minorities synod of bishops episcopal conferences pope francis

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Bogotà (Agenzia Fides) - In the synodal journey that the Church has undertaken, the indigenous Friars, the Afros, the Palenqueros, the Raizales and the Roma, have a special place: this is highlighted by the section "Ethnic groups" of the Missionary Animation Center of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia (CEC), in the handout where it presents the general vision of the path on synodality proposed by Pope Francis. "The daily personal and community encounter with the diversity of ethnic minorities in our country is already a vital part of the synodal journey which, undoubtedly, took place everywhere - is what is written in the note sent to Fides -. We extend the invitation so that, united, we take the necessary step of creating networks of communication between us, as a means of support in this journey which leads us to better understand ourselves as Church". It reaffirms Pope Francis' desire to adopt an attitude of "pastoral conversion in a missionary and also ecumenical key", to "progress structurally towards a synodal Church", which is an "open place where everyone feels at home and can participate ". The note therefore recalls the exhortations of the document of Aparecida, of the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon and of the first Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America. Some practical indications are also given for holding local assemblies with ethnic minority groups, asking two fundamental questions: meeting and listening to ethnic groups and the presence of the Church in the history and present life of each particular ethnicity or group. After having listened to the Word of God (1 Cor 1,10-18), in which the apostle Paul invites us to overcome divisions, which create conflicts and engender violence within the community, the reflection leading to dialogue emphasizes the Church's invitation to "work together seeking the good of our communities", seeking the reasons that unite us, in order to be builders of unity and artisans of peace. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 7/2/2022)