Vatican Statement Fills A Pastoral Need

VATICAN, Sept. 5 (FIDES/CWNews.com) - The Vatican did indeed respond to an urgent pastoral need with a new statement affirming the unique role of the Catholic Church, according to the secretary of the Congregation for Evangelization.

Archbishop Marcello Zago, who himself worked as a missionary in Laos in the 1970s, told the Vatican news agency FIDES that there is a growing trend toward religious relativism, particularly in Asia. Too many theologians, he told FIDES, «question the need for evangelization, and refrain from suggesting conversion from another religion.»

Archbishop Zago pointed out, in an interview with FIDES, that the Church's claim to offer the unique and complete means to salvation has prompted sharp opposition from some Asian religions-- particularly Hindus in India and Muslims in Indonesia and elsewhere. Some Christian missionaries respond to that opposition by watering down the content of the Catholic faith, he said, and «this is a mistake.»

The missionary activity of the Church requires a drive to convert all people to the true faith, Archbishop Zago concluded. He observed: «Fighting for justice or to overcome hunger are aspects connected with mission. But at times there is a lack of that balance which always places at the center of any missionary activity, living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and proclaiming him to others.»

Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update