At this juncture I would like to take a break and pose a significant question regarding the choice of themes for the Ordinary Synods of Bishops. What criteria are followed to determine the theme for a Synod?
\nAllow me to quote the following from Wikipedia:<\/p>\n
\u201cIn preparation for each ordinary general assembly, episcopal conferences are asked to suggest up to three themes for discussion. After the secretariat has studied the proposals put forward, the Pope, generally on the basis of the secretariat’s recommendation, establishes the topic and agenda of the assembly. Criteria for the choice of the topic are: 1) that it be of universal, not merely regional, interest; 2) that it be pastoral in character with a firm doctrinal base; 3) that it be contemporary and urgent enough to stir up “new energies and movements in the church towards growth”; 4) that it can be addressed within the allotted time.\u201d<\/em> Free Encyclopedia.<\/p>\n These criteria have highly provoked my missiological imaginations, my sincere pastoral enthusiasm, my deep zeal for the \u201cmissio ad gentes<\/em>\u201d, my desire for the \u201c\u2026 therefore go and make disciples of all nations\u2026<\/em>\u201d (Mt. 28:19). At the same time I am confronted by a situation that is really challenging; a reality that pulls all the above towards the opposite direction; a mission that makes me question my very cherished traditional method of evangelization \u2013 that based on the \u201c\u2026therefore go and make disciples of all nations\u2026\u201d The reality I am addressing here is \u201cINTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n I want to believe that all of us are plainly aware of the pluri-religious nature of our modern societies today. This has been due to the migration and immigration realities around the world that have been throughout our history but today are a phenomenon of great concern. The impact of this trend is felt in all spheres of life. All around the world it\u2019s not business as usual. Religion has equally been affected in such a way that out of 20 households in any given neighborhood, chances are that a few of them profess a different faith. This has direct impact on the upbringing of the younger generation as it has been witnessed in the recent past. This is a real pastoral issue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the Asian world, and particularly in Taiwan where I am currently as an evangelizer, it goes without saying, that it\u2019s not business as usual with regards to evangelization methodologies. With the presence of big and well established religions as Budhism, Taoism, etc., a Christian and worse still a catholic feels just like a drop in the sea. It makes one to question his evangelistic methodology; the rather literal understanding of \u201c\u2026therefore go and make disciples of all nations\u2026\u201d It makes you discover how little you really know about your own faith and thus the desire to get even more prepared. In plain terms, a new evangelizer in this milieu finds himself rather confused and not knowing exactly how to approach the famous \u201cINTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE\u201d. <\/p>\n Are these enough reasons to demoralize one into concluding that Asia does not need evangelization? I think the opposite is true. This is where evangelization is most needed. It is all about the HOW? It calls for a change of approach, a different attitude, a new way of looking at mission, a redefinition of what we understand by \u201c\u2026therefore go and make disciples of all nations\u2026\u201d Therefore in my humble opinion, \u201cInterreligious Dialogue\u201d is our generation\u2019s real pastoral nut to crack.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/taiwan.consolata.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/20150824_154543.jpg\")
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