We live at a time in which the First World, especially Europe, is experiencing "new forms of bloodless but painful martyrdom" and "underhanded but continuous intolerance towards Christians." Family based on marriage is the foremost problem in a society divided by the lack of obligations.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The new evangelisation must focus on the laity and the family at a time when the First World, especially Europe, is experiencing "new forms of bloodless but painful martyrdom" and "underhanded but continuous intolerance towards Christians, where God is not only denied but is totally foreign," this according to the Report after the discussion (Relatio post disceptationem) presented today to the 13^th Assembly of the Synod.

Educating the laity is a key goal. It is crucial to overcome the juxtaposition citizen-faithful and to bear witness to the true values, based on the non-conformism of the faith.

Lay people must network in their dioceses, the bishops said, because if the Church moves away from society, the new evangelisation will not bear fruit. Adult catechises is part of this at a time when adults increasingly abdicate their role as educators.

Another fundamental challenge is the family based on marriage, society's foremost problem. In a society divided by the lack of obligations, the Church continues to consider the family as a cornerstone for the stability of society itself. This is why the bishops want the family to be at the centre of politics, economics and culture. At the same time, they hope the Church can become a "family of families," including those that are hurting.

Card Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, spoke to English-speaking journalists on the impact of secularisation, especially in the United States. He stressed the power of secularism in his country, but noted that its heart is still deeply religious.

During the briefing, the prelate engaged in some self-criticism, about homilies for example ("Some people tell me they are too long and boring.") and the fading of certain sacraments like confession ("I am afraid we have given up.")

The cardinal went on to explain that the Church is not afraid of acknowledging its errors. He mentioned a meeting during which a Catholic man cited the series The Borgias, which presents the dark tales of the famous Roman noble family.

"How can we defend the Church with stories like that of Pope Alexander XVI who had a lover?" said the man. "No!" the cardinal said. "He did not have one lover, he had many."

This said, "The Church is not afraid to acknowledge its errors. The new evangelisation entails spiritual renewal and the conversion of hearts," Mgr Dolan explained. "Being humble is not only a pastoral strategy, but the right attitude."

 

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