Pope Benedict’s China commission meeting has noted progress towards “full ecclesial communion” but also called for episcopal ordinations that run counter to this be avoided. As the March 22-24 meeting ended, the Holy See Press Office released a communique summarising the outcomes, VIS reports.
“The participants examined the question of the human, spiritual and pastoral formation of seminarians and consecrated people, as well as the permanent formation of priests, focusing particularly on their spirituality,” the Vatican statement said.
“The difficulties that emerge in the field of formation and new pastoral requirements - connected with the task of evangelising Chinese society which is so dynamic and complex - represent considerable challenges.
Chinese bishops are personally committed to formative work and “fraternal collaboration will continue to be offered”.
“In the light of Holy Father’s Letter to Chinese Catholics of 27 May 2007, the commission reflected on the way to promote unity within the Catholic Church in China, and to overcome the difficulties she faces in her relationship with civil society,” the statement continued.
“Progress made in response to the Pope’s call for authentic ecclesial communion was noted with satisfaction, a communion which is not expressed without a personal commitment to searching for truth and spiritual reconciliation.
The statement also emphasized the “importance of taking tangible steps towards increasing and expressing spiritual ties between pastors and faithful”.
“At the same time, the participants expressed the unanimous hope that all bishops in China way become increasingly committed to favouring the growth of unity, faith and life among all Catholics, avoiding gestures (such as, for example, sacramental celebrations, episcopal ordinations and participation in meetings) that run counter to communion with the Pope who appointed them pastors, and create difficulties - sometimes severe difficulties - in the bosom of their respective ecclesial communities.
The commission reiterated its hope that, “through respectful and open dialogue between the Holy See and the government authorities, the current difficulties may be overcome and a beneficial agreement be reached, of advantage to the Catholic community and to social coexistence”.
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SIC: CTHAS