Vatican City (Fides Service) - "With affection in the Lord, I welcome you the Bishops of Indonesia… Through you I also embrace in spirit the clergy, religious and laity of your particular Churches…I give thanks that during these trying times you were able to make this pilgrimage to share the faith, experiences and insights of your local communities, as well as the challenges you face." With these words the Holy Father Pope John Paul II greeted the Catholic Bishops of Indonesia whom he received in the Vatican all together at the end of their visit ad limina on 29 March.
"At the opening of a new era, Indonesia faces the challenge of building a society based on the democratic principles of the freedom and equality of its citizens regardless of language, race, ethnic background, cultural heritage or religion. - the Pope underlined. "I have no doubt that the Church will remain actively involved in this endeavour ". The Pope then urged the Bishops to guarantee respect for the principle of - "Religious freedom which has been one of the traditional characteristics of Indonesian Society… It is my hope that such efforts will help to create a climate where respect for the rule of law becomes the new mind-set for a democratic society which is tolerant and non-violent."
To guarantee a stable and productive society it is necessary to promote the basic rights of weaker citizens, first of all the poor, regardless of the religious or ethnic identity. One of the most effective means to help them is education: although Catholics are few in number in Indonesia, they succeeded in developing a vast and appreciated network of schools and the commitment of the Church in this field is recognised as one of the greatest contributions to Indonesian society. The Pope then encouraged the Bishops to continue with this educational commitment despite difficulties, pressing young people not to give up their studies after secondary school Recalling the important of the work of catechists the Holy Father said: "The lack of access to Catholic education in some impoverished areas, coupled with an environment at times in conflict with or even hostile to Christianity, brings out the need to provide serious programmes of catechetical formation for young and old alike…Catechesis is the task of the entire faith community and an extension of the ministry of the word entrusted to the Bishop and his clergy."
Among the pastoral priorities the Pope mentioned inculturation, "The truth of the Gospel should always be proclaimed in a way that is persuasive and relevant. This is especially important in a complex society such as your own) and the family. ("A true "conspiracy against life" and the family is appearing in many forms: …At all times, the Church's prophetic voice must loudly proclaim the need to respect and promote the divine law written on every heart"). "The Church in Indonesia is one that lives and suffers with the people, confronting the challenges arising from daily contact with a non-Christian society, said the Pope, adding, "I wish to assure you of my deep concern for the beloved Indonesian people at this moment of heightened tension in the entire world community. War must never be allowed to divide world religions. I encourage you to take this unsettling moment as an occasion to work together, as brothers committed to peace, with your own people, with those of other religious beliefs and with all men and women of good will in order to ensure understanding, cooperation and solidarity. Let us not permit a human tragedy also to become a religious catastrophe".
The Pope concluded by encouraging Indonesian Christians to be "leaven in the dough". "Through your presence, he told the Bishops, I feel very close to the Indonesian faithful, and in this moment of uncertainty it is my fervent prayer that they will be strengthened in Christ. I commend all of you to the intercession of Mary, Queen of the Rosary." See complete address in English at www.fides.org SL (Fides Service 1/4/2003 EM lines 42 Words: 684)