RESPONSE TO TALK BY FR DAVID WILLIS OP

Thanks Fr David for the wonderful knowledge and reflection you have shared with us today. I think perhaps I have been asked to respond because as an Australian I come from perhaps the most ‘secular’ society in Oceania. Perhaps that fact also that makes my commitment to Christ more personal and deeper. I have already shared how humble Australians are!

You have set out before us a clear definition of ‘secularization’ as a process of separation or differentiation in society. For me this is clear and relevant definition. It would take us more than the time we have to reflect on the pros and cons of the secularized society and traditional society.

Your clear outline of the 8 aspects of the process of secularisation was also helpful to see where we are along the road. Each of us could perhaps use this guide to look not only at our own society but also my personal response to where I am on the road. My reflection also led me to the eternal question of where do I find and live close to Christ in the midst of the society in which I live.

My work takes me backwards and forwards between 4 countries and 4 cultures. Often in one month I can be in all 4 countries. There is a need to change languages, to change behaviour, as well as clothes and currency. If you will indulge me I will share a short reflection on each of these aspects. Obviously it is superficial and based only on my personal experience and understanding and should not be taken as definitive.

1. Age –

   1. In Australia I deal with the challenges of ageing and the gaps that have arisen between generations, not only in beliefs and experience but also in our understanding of technology. There is a wisdom and a gentleness in Australia that allows for individual differences and respects and invites to interdependence. There is a great challenge to plan a future in which we may well ‘close down’ rather than ‘build up’.

   2. In the Samoan Islands and the Solomon Islands I deal with the challenges of a ‘young’ society where energy is put into beginnings and planning a future that is changing each day as a traditional society continues to become more secularised.

2. Urban growth

   1. One of the most challenging aspects of life in Australia is the work and living with migrants. There is a daily discussion about refugees. Many religious take a firm stand to support refugees and those on the margins of society.

   2. In Samoa there is a growing urban movement but it is still largely idealogical; village life is still the main way of living. However the challenges for young people living village life with the other aspects of secularisation continue. As religious we live between the two.

   3. In the Solomons instead there is a big movement to the urban/city areas. Here we face daily the challenges of young women living in danger, away from their families, in need of safe accommodation and education to health and hygiene and living.

3. Equality of men and women

   1. In Australia – please don’t believe that there is equality yet! However in comparison to the rest of Oceania you would see ‘liberation’.

   2. The downside of the perceived lack of quality in the Islands results in terrible abuse and domestic violence. There are also clearly defined roles for men and women that have not yet been challenged sufficiently. Equality is not only about wages and votes it is essentially about dignity. When we have a higher level of respect and dignity of all people we will begin to question the differences between gender.

4. The strength of Government:

   1. In Australia there is a clear freedom of thought and little compulsion to vote according to family traditions – individualism is rife and has both its good points and weak points – on the whole it leads to stable government. The response of the Australian government to the Global Economic Crisis has kept the nation not only afloat but in growth. The people in general trust their elected leaders and have the power of the vote.

   2. In Samoa there is a stable Polynesian government – democratically elected and generally strong. Debate is vigorous. Growth is evident. What happens here I think is that without a ‘won tok’ system there is a general trust in the levels of government. Village life seems to have adjusted to a level of equal representation (Male and Female title holders).

   3. In American Samoa – under the US government there is little opportunity for local decision making. All the standards to be met for education and government must adhere to US mainland laws and regulations, it is an experience of colonization rather than independence.

   4. In the Solomon Islands there is not a very stable government and this impacts on ways of doing things – it also means that you can ‘get away with things’ but also that you sometimes have to use other means like persistence, persuasion etc to get things done. (Awareness of won tok system).

5. Educated elite:

   1. Definitely present in Australia where education is the key to success.

   2. A growing awareness in the Pacific Islands as education reaches more people and the mobilisation of people for financial reasons means that young Samoans particularly are educated in Australia and New Zealand.

   3. Education is also the key to improved society and job attainment in the Solomon Islands. The Salesian work in the past has included a mission to those least educated with a ‘second chance’ at life through schooling.

6. Presence of NGOs:

   1. Increasing evidence of this in all Pacific Islands – growing awareness of ecological issues – rising tides, sustainable crops, deforestation.

7. Technology

   1. Huge impact on the life of young people (and us!) in Australia.

   2. Growing impact in Samoa and American Samoa and Solomon Islands.

8. Secular societies are also changing:

   1. The impact of technology – renewed awareness of justice issues and environmental issues as well as the negatives of addiction, pornography and gang gatherings.

I return to my vote of thanks for Fr David and particularly for the challenge he gives us to be conscious of our roles and where the concept of initial proclamation of the Gospel fits into our increasingly secular societies.

Sr Margaret Bentley fma