Editorial

After the Statement of Conclusions

Michael Gilchrist

Contents - Mar 1999 - Buy a copy now Editorial: After the Statement of Conclusions - Michael Gilchrist John Paul II's successful fourth visit to Mexico - AD2000 Report News: The Church Around the World Changing church interiors: what is at stake - Fr G.H. Duggan SM Charles Chaput: a remarkable American Archbishop - Louis Power Vocations: The Brothers of St Francis: a sign of renewal in religious life - Fr Christopher Sharah FSF Pilgrim Statue Of Mary Help Of Christians welcomed in Brisbane - Patrick Quirk A Polish priest's story: how I survived the Nazi occupation - Fr Marcel Pasiecznik How a parish priest reinforces the Church's moral teaching - Fr Michael Butler Reflection: Being a disciple of Christ: no soft option - Archbishop George Pell

Catholics throughout Australia will welcome the contents of the Statement of Conclusions that emerged following meetings between representatives of the Australian bishops and the heads of key Vatican congregations (see February AD2000). The document sets out in suprisingly frank terms the seriousness of the religious crisis in the Church in Australia as well as the measures needed to address key problem areas. The Holy Father has made it clear to our bishops that he expects the Statement to be implemented.

It was heartening to note the promptness of several dioceses in publishing full texts of the Statement of Conclusions in their newspapers, e.g., Perth, Melbourne and Parramatta, among others. It was clear that at least some Australian bishops wanted their people to be fully informed of the situation as a preliminary to implementing the agreed program.

Meanwhile, it is vital that orthodox Catholics give their bishops every support in tackling the problem areas in their dioceses, e.g., liturgical abuses, poor catechetical programs, unsatisfactory teacher education in religious areas, and the public dissent by some priests, religious and theologians.

Orthodox Catholics should educate their fellow-Catholics as to the true state of affairs while keeping diocesan authorities informed of situations requiring attention. There is no need for bishops to be left in the dark. The terms of the Statement of Conclusions could not be clearer as to what needs to be done in a whole range of areas.

Michael Gilchrist: Editor (email - freedom@connexus.net.au)

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 12 No 2 (March 1999), p. 2