Vietnamese Catholics are being urged to evangelize by serving underprivileged people, holding dialogues with followers of other faiths, building the country and protecting the environment. The call comes in a pastoral letter from Vietnamese bishops issued after recent meeting in Ho Chi Minh City. The letter Together Reinforcing Civilization of Love and Culture of Life was posted on the website of the Vietnam Bishops’ Conference on May 5. The letter sets out guidelines on pastoral activities that were discussed by participants at the national Congress of God’s People held in November, 2010. “In the context of society today, Catholics need to actively work with all people of goodwill so as to together reinforce a civilization of love and culture of life. That is a concrete way to carry out Jesus’ mission in this country,” bishops say. They say local Catholics have a responsibility to love and build the country in the spirit of the Good News as “good Catholics are good citizens.” The letter urges Catholics to follow Jesus’ examples by bravely and consistently preaching the Good News, humbly serving people and honestly sharing human joys and sorrows with underprivileged people. “People today receive the Good News not only by ‘hearing’ but ‘seeing’,” it notes. The bishops also suggest the government allow religions to participate in educational activities that are the key to the country’s bright future. The local Church can contribute its educational orientations and experiences to educate people who are responsible for themselves, others and society, they add. They ask Catholics to support poor students, enhance youths’ education levels, provide vocational skills for rural youths and work with Catholic teachers. Catholics should give the public education of conscience, human values and a culture of dialogue in the light of God’s Word. Church leaders say evangelization requires the local Church to dialogue with people of other faiths, the poor and non-religious people in the country. “This is a heart-to-heart dialogue to develop mutual understanding and serve people’s true happiness,” they note. They say dialogue helps the local Church to seek greater cooperation with followers of other faiths in building a healthy society and improving people’s lives. The bishops also ask Catholics to love, respect and serve ethnic groups who have few opportunities to access economic, cultural and social benefits. Patients, people with physical disabilities, elderly people without relatives, orphans, unwed pregnant women and prisoners should also be given loving care. Catholics should be educated on environmental protection for the benefit of themselves, others and future generations, the letter says. The bishops say the letter is to be sent to local congregations, dioceses, parishes and families who will take concrete steps to evangelize effectively in the country. Related reports Related reports: Bishop urges Church reforms in VietnamCatechist urges Church to reach ethnic groups VT14160
