In an effort to breathe new life into its Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), the diocese of Bandung, capital of West Java province, has held conferences for all heads of neighborhood communities to explain the move. Six conferences were held simultaneously on November 6 in areas served by 23 parishes. “The conferences aim to motivate heads of neighborhood communities. It is hoped that they can be more active as motivators for the BECs' development,” said Matias Endar Suhendar, who heads the diocese’s Team of BECs. At a conference held by the area of Katabapa, heads of neighborhood communities heard the chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI)’s Association of BECs, Afra Siowardjaja, talk about the leadership and spirituality of BEC motivators. Siowardjaya maintained that the BECs must be developed because globalization “has created a gap between rich and poor” and religious fundamentalism “has created disunity among people from different religious backgrounds.” He also mentioned political issues including corruption cases, environmental destruction and human rights violations as other concerns which need serious attention. In such circumstances the Church must be the sign of salvation by showing a community centralizing at the Word of God. “It means every Christian – bishop, priest and lay individual – participates in materializing the blessings of the Spirit and their own talents,” he continued. He said he hoped all heads of neighborhood communities in the diocese will build a community which “is caring, sharing, loving and serving.” Related Reports: Parishes to continue with BECsBandung diocese boosts BECs
