AustraLasia #118

A NON-CONFORMIST SYNOD

First Conclusions of Working Groups' Deliberations

via Fr. Jun

VATICAN CITY, DEC 3 - The work of the Synod of Bishops for Oceania continues to be divided into linguistic groups, allowing John Paul II to continue his usual audiences, among which was a meeting with the chancellor of Austria, Viktor Klima.

Yesterday, with the Holy Father in attendance, reports were presented by each of the groups reflecting what ultimately will be the conclusions of the Synod; these conclusions will appear in the final message and, especially, the proposals to be given the Holy Father for writing the post-Synodal exhortation.

Although the topics addressed were very broad, they relate to a fundamental question: What are the priorities for the evangelization of Oceania, a continent threatened by secularism where the sense of sin has been lost. In this regard, the proposals of the different groups are striking in their diversity.

Crisis of Values

In order to address this problem, the participants of the Synod acknowledged that emphasis must be placed on the efficacy of prayer and on the forcefulness of the Word of God. Personal and community meditation on the Bible must be rediscovered. But it is also important to recognize the wealth and potential of the new ecclesial movements and the formation in faith that Catholic schools offer -- the great resource of the Church in Oceania --, in facing the new challenges of our times.

The challenges can be listed: New Age, sects, disintegration of the family, political corruption and negative influence of television; television really affects the new generations. "It is necessary -- the groups have noted in their conclusions -- to reveal to youth a God who is close to their problems. In order to speak to the young, the Church of Oceania must learn their language."

Lack of Priests

The problems of youth might be the reason why the crisis in vocations

continues in Oceania. Rejecting resignation, the Synod proposes to respond with a more agile clergy, by a more even distribution of existing priests throughout the world, rather than recourse to married clergy.

Great importance was given to the training of catechists, especially in the small islands where there are no priests. Yet, there is a living Christian community in these islands which can meet with the catechist to reflect on the Word.

Feminine Nature

Another topic discussed was that of woman. The Synod acknowledged her role not just as "mother of life and teacher of children" but praised her "specific role and her feminine nature." This is emphasized at all levels, both social and ecclesial. The Church in Oceania must encourage men to change the cultural understanding of women's role and share in domestic tasks and in the responsibility of educating the children.

Another topic energetically debated was the fundamental role of the bishop, "a link of communion between the local Church and the chair of Peter." Specifically, the Synod encouraged the bishops to let their voice be heard in the media "to communicate the force of the Gospel with their own life's testimony."

Inculturation

The Synod recognized the great wealth of the Oceanic cultures (their

welcome, respect for nature, capacity to celebrate) but, at the same time, made clear the necessity of their "purification." They must be stripped of all that threatens the values of the Gospel, such as polygamy, vengeance. etc. "But to change cultures -- the Synod fathers acknowledged --, it is necessary to change oneself first."

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