Source: Asia News
by Louis Sako
The Holy Father Benedict XVI convened a special synod for the Middle East to be held from the 10th to the 24th of October 2010; and the theme will be "The Catholic Church in the Middle East: communion and testimony." On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to the Holy Father for this opportunity and wealth given to us all.
The Holy See wants the Eastern Churches to progress, but they themselves must contribute fully, by sustaining this journey together: during this synod, every Church is called to play a leading role. Every church is invited to go forward, to search for that global update in order to rejuvenate hic et nunc (here and now). The Synod could be a new Pentecost.
Looking at the experience of the Second Vatican Council is of great help to us. The majority of our churches have not yet followed the guidelines of the Council.
In order for the Synod be effective, the Eastern churches must take advantage of this very impulse of the Spirit to rediscover their identity and mission, to achieve unity and communion, in order to put into act their commitment and testimony. They must speak about things that are practical and concrete, presenting the situations objectively and courageously.
The nature of the Church is ecumenical. This synod is an intense and special period: and it must not miss this propitious chance. The Eastern Churches should be open up the Spirit of Renewal and leave the past behind, from a very rigid history, hard to practice today, in these times, and prepare for the future. The Church has its vocation, called, mission. Attachment to one's roots must not necessarily closure, but a commitment to be faithful to our contemporaries, with all their changes. Each local church must assume its responsibilities and then find the best way put into act the guidelines of this synod in the present society. Even if given the chance, a Church alone is not able to cope with this, but together and in communion with the universal Church, everything is possible.
There are many problems to be evaluated.
Some of them are:
1) Liturgical reform. The Eastern Churches are churches and not ethnic groups, their mission is open to everyone and not only to those who practice their faith (Chaldeans, Syrians, Copts ...). As Saint John Chrysostom says, liturgy is for man. The Eastern Churches are therefore called to make a serious liturgical reform, appropriate to the context in which the faithful live, or risk losing many, who choose to follow other various religious sects.
2) More importance and space should be given to the Sacred Scripture. In some churches till now there are still two Tables: the Eucharist and the Bible. We should not despise any of the two Tables that have been prepared!
3) Structural reforms (dioceses and the territories), which go back to medieval times. There are some small diocese with only a priest or two. What can be done? And then there are the Middle-East Christians that live in the Diaspora ... the Eastern Christians must not close themselves within their communities.
4) Human bleeding, i.e. the migration of the faithful from Iraq, the Holy Land, Lebanon ... Is not just the fault of "others" if the Middle East is emptied of Christians but of the Christians themselves. The Eastern Church must have a clear vision with concrete plans to stem this exodus. It requires a common effort of the churches who speak as one voice to local authorities. Maybe a new evangelization of the Eastern Christians is necessary.
5) Unity with sister Churches. Right now it’s nothing big, apart from some small project to build houses. Giving a common testimony is very urgent! Muslims do not always understand the divisions and denominations of Christians. It is important to restore unity between Orthodox and Catholics, particularly since dogmatically they are already united (and the proof is the same Statement of Faith that the Holy See and several sister churches have in common). Today practically very few things are being done with other Christians. Every church works only for its faithful. The Orthodox Churches talk about lack of solidarity and lack of charity.
6) Islam: Christians must be open up to their missionary dimension of their presence in Muslim lands. Their departure is a loss, even for Muslims, an East without Christians would not be the same. A dialogue with the Jews is also very important, so as to help the separation between Judaism and Zionism. We need to promote "religious dialogue" on the basis of diverse identities - whether cultural, historical, social – establishing a relationship based on "mutual understanding", capable of bringing "peace in areas where tensions are still high among the faithful of different religions. "Unfortunately, especially after September 11, religion has become an expression of political identity! To bear witness to the steadfast love of God for mankind and His omnipotence is the task that in a renewed manner we choose to undertake. We want to believe in hope, despite disillusionments and many difficulties.
