VATICAN CITY, OCT. 10, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here are summaries of the interventions from fraternal delegates given Thursday afternoon at the seventh general congregation of the world Synod of Bishops, which is underway in the Vatican through Oct. 26. The theme of the assembly is "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church."
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-- Rev. Robert K. WELSH, President of the Council of Christian Unity of Disciples of Christ (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)
I am honored to be present with you as a fraternal delegate from the Disciples of Christ to share in the important discussions of this Synod on the important issue, "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church." It is a theme that is central to life of the whole church, calling forth obedience in the church's listening, obedience in our proclamation, and obedience in our responding to the Word of God made flesh for the sake and salvation of the whole world. My intervention is centered upon two reflections:
First, Christian unity stands at the heart of the Gospel's message; division within the body of Christ is a scandal before God and before the world. Our division at the Table of the Eucharist stands as a continuing denial of the power of the cross to heal, to reconcile, and to unite all things on earth and all things in heaven. My hope is that this Synod will deepen its reflection on the relation between the Word of God, the Eucharist, and the unity of all Christians within the one body of Christ.
And second, I hope that your work and discussion during this Synod will explore more fully the relation between the Word of God and the church's mission, especially in relation to the poor and the suffering, the oppressed and the marginalized. My church has committed itself to an understanding of mission that is based upon a guiding principle of "critical presence" in mission that sets its priority on ministry to and with partners at the point of deepest need; not only to listen to the poor, but to anticipate encountering the living Word of God in their struggle and daily witness to hope in the face of despair; to life in the face of death.
I pray that this Synod of Bishops in your reflection on the Word of God will not only bring renewal to the life of the Catholic Church; but also, that this Synod will tru1y serve the whole church in bringing renewal to the ecumenical movement and to all churches in our common calling to mission in the world.
[Original text: English]
-- Rev. Gunnar STÅLSETT, Bishop Emeritus of Oslo, Lutheran World Federation (NORWAY)
The theme of the Synod is truly ecumenical, it impacts all religions and has a message to the world.
The Roman Catholic-Lutheran dialogue has through more than 30 years contributed to the substance of the theme of the Synod with such central issues as the doctrine of justification, the role of the ordained ministry and the nature of the church.
The Lutheran distinction between the Holy Bible as norma normans and the confessions - or traditions of the church - as norma normata places the Holy Scriptures as the final authority of the Church.
All the three religions of the Book - Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are today in a squeeze between secularism and fundamentalism.
Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are basic human rights. This implies that there must be room in society for fundamentalist expressions of faith, even when this leads to sectarianism and divisions.
Terrorism in the name of God is an affront to all faiths as it is violence against God . The antidote to fundamentalism can only be a more genuine interpretation of Holy Scriptures. The Church must continue to balance tolerance and truth.
The millennium development goals (MDG) of the United Nations, is a call for all people of faith to overcome injustice, poverty, inequality, illiteracy and unemployment, suffering which defines the lives of a great part of humanity. The pandemic of Aids has claimed millions of lives and may be with us for generations to come. Religious communities of all faiths, not least local Catholic churches and communities, are contributing to love-inspired care. Religious interpretations are sadly also contributing to stigmatization. We need therefore to continue to seek ways, congenial to our faith, in order better to protect the life of those who are exposed to the HIV-virus, in marriage and outside.
Globalization of anxiety and despair calls for globalization of salvation and hope. Religious leaders are called to a ministry of peace and reconciliation.
[Original text: English]
