UCA News
Contribute

Symposium outlines new moral vision

Calls for the reservation of half of vocations for women in the Church
Symposium outlines new moral vision
The Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference has outlined a new moral vision for the Church
Published: October 17, 2011 09:58 AM GMT
Updated: December 22, 2011 06:15 AM GMT

A three-day symposium on the Church’s social doctrine has outlined a moral vision for society that addresses what delegates have called chronic inequalities. Archbishop Charles M Bo, chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference’s office of human development, said the Church has a greater responsibility now more than ever to speak up for justice and true peace. The prelate told more than 470 delegates attending the symposium, held from October 14-16, that for every dollar spent on development assistance globally, about US$10 was spent on military budgets. Cardinal Peter Kodwo Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, called on participants “to fruitfully take up the all-encompassing challenge of developing ‘the whole man and every man,’” in a message sent from the Vatican. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio said in the symposium’s inaugural address that “development is not only economic or social progress. Development must be integral; that is the development of every person.” Cardinal Oswald Gracias, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, regretted that “India continues to be riddled with discriminatory sex-selection practices, exploitation of women and discrimination of dalits and tribals.” The symposium was held to commemorate the late pontiff John Paul II’s visit to India 25 years ago and addressed a number of socio-pastoral concerns, particularly the rights of minorities and gender issues, which were championed by the former pope. The federation particularly noted the sidelining of women in the Church and called for the reservation of at least 50 percent of vocations for women. Among other issues addressed was the announcement of a new agenda to provide access to educate for all Catholic children within the next 10 years and a “Right to Food” program in all dioceses. The symposium, which was attended by eight bishops, 100 priests and 178 Religious from across the country, also sought an “action taken” report within the next six months.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia