Challenges to Our Mission Today (GC 35, Decree 3)
(all these paintings are from the Art Department of St George's College)
(painting by A Byers)
from General Congregation 35 , paragraph 46:
"The aim of our mission is the service of faith;
the integrating principle is the inseparable link
between faith and the promotion of the justice of the Kingdom"
from General Congregation 35, paragraphs 56, 60, 61:
1. Through inculturation and dialogue
– To establish right relationships with God, with one another, with creation;
– In a world torn by violence, strife & division … to build a world of right relationships;
– Building bridges across barriers; bridge the divisions of a fragmented world.
from General Congregation 35, paragraph 47:
2. New forms of integral evangelization ‘to reach the places others do not reach’
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(painting by A Byers)
from General Congregation 35, paragraph 64:
3. Engagement with the dominant culture (of subjectivism, moral relativism, hedonism & practical materialism):
– Dialogue & reflection on the relationship between faith & reason, culture & morality, faith & society.
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from General Congregation 34, paragraph 131:
4. Where religious fundamentalism is being used to divide people: engage in fourfold dialogue [66]:
– Life: where people live in an open & neighbourly sprit,
– Action: collaborating with others for development & liberation of people,
– Religious experience: sharing of spiritual riches among religious traditions,
– Theological exchange: deepen understanding of different religious heritages. [GC34: 131].
from General Congregation 35, paragraph 67:
5. Educational & pastoral ministry among the youth.
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(painting by A Byers)
from General Congregation 35, paragraph 47:
6. In the context of globalisation (excluding & exploiting the poor, marginalisation of nations, transnational exploitation, war & arms trafficking):
– To establish right relationships;
– Learning from and acting with and for the poor & marginalised;
– Build bridges between rich and poor;
– Build bridges between those who hold political power & those who find it difficult to voice their interests;
– Intellectual apostolate to tackle these issues;
– Promote corporate social responsibility, humane business culture & economic development initiatives with the poor.
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from General Congregation 35, paragraph 73:
7. Put new communication technologies at the service of those at the margins.
(painting by T Majongwe)
from General Congregation 35, paragraphs 75-78:
8. Restore right relationships with creation.
(Painting by Head of art Department Mrs V Murombedzi)
from General Congregation 35, paragraph 79:
9. Research, activity, advocacy, cooperation with others focusing on poverty, environment, displaced persons.