Amazon Synod: The need for a
permanent episcopal Pan-Amazonian structure
The 11th General Congregation of the Special Synod for the
Amazon Region on the theme “Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for an
Integral Ecology” took place in the Vatican on Tuesday involving 180 Synod
Fathers and in the presence of Pope Francis.
by Vatican News
The need to urgently create a permanent and representative
episcopal structure, coordinated by REPAM (Pan-Amazonian
Ecclesial Network), to promote synodality in the Amazon: this was one of the
suggestions that emerged from the morning congregation. Integrated with CELAM (Latin
American Episcopal Council), the proposed structure should help implement the
face of the Amazon Church, aimed at a more effective, shared pastoral care -
also giving concrete form to any indications that Pope Francis may wish to
provide after the Synod - and working for the defense of the rights of
indigenous peoples, the integral formation of pastoral agents and the creation
of Amazonian seminaries. This joint pastoral action, elaborated synodally by
all the Pan-Amazonian dioceses would be useful to face common problems, such as
the exploitation of the territory, crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking
and prostitution.
An Observatory for Human Rights and Protection of the Amazon
Participants at the morning congregation then turned their
attention to the indigenous peoples, focusing on the problems that stem from
colonisation, internal migration and the advancement of predatory and
colonialist economic models, which often kill. This entails the expropriation
and eviction of communities from their territories, forcing them to migrate
against their will. The nomadic indigenous peoples must be understood through a
specific pastoral care, so that their human and environmental rights are always
guaranteed. This includes their right to be consulted and informed before any
action takes place in their respective territories. In this regard, a permanent
observatory for human rights and the protection of the Amazon was suggested.
The cry of the earth and of the Amazonian peoples must be heard, giving voice,
above all, to young people, because it is a question of inter-generational
justice.
Inculturation and education
The theme of inculturation was also discussed: the need for
the Church to open up and discover new paths in the rich diversity of Amazonian
cultures in order to be more like a disciple and sister than a Teacher and
Mother, with an attitude of listening, service, solidarity, respect, justice
and reconciliation. Linked to the theme of inculturation, the education of indigenous
Amazonian peoples was brought up again, an education which is, unfortunately,
characterised by poor quality and discontinuity. What can the Church do as one
of the most qualified and powerful institutions in the field of formation? It
was suggested that structures coordinate better with one another in order to
offer improved services to indigenous peoples. For example, Catholic
universities could introduce a preferential option for the education of
indigenous peoples, or generate solidarity strategies to economically support
indigenous universities, such as Nopoki, in Peru. The aim of this would be to
protect the right to cultural identity and safeguard the ancestral wisdom of
the original Amazonian peoples, in the name of dialogue and exchange of cultures,
sensitivity, languages and visions.
Missionary commitment and the witness of the martyrs
The Synod Fathers then reflected on the theme of violence:
it was stressed that the Amazon is like a woman who has been raped and whose
cry needs to be heard, because only in this way can evangelisation be
reawakened. The effective proclamation of the Gospel takes place only when it
is in contact with the pain of the world that is waiting to be redeemed by the
love of Christ, thanks to a theology of life. Strong reference was made to the
precious example of the martyred missionaries of the region, such as Bishop
Alejandro Labaka, the Capuchin tertiary nun Inés Arango, and Sister Dorothy
Stang, who gave their lives in the name of the cause of the defenceless Amazon
peoples and for the protection of the territory. It was reiterated in the Synod
Hall that missionary work in the Amazon must be supported more. For this reason
there were ideas about creating a financial fund, both national and
international, to strengthen the mission in the region, especially to cover
transportation costs and to train the missionaries themselves.
The ecumenical challenge
Missionary commitment must also be carried out from an
ecumenical perspective because a missionary Church is also an ecumenical
Church. This challenge also concerns the Amazon: far from any kind of
proselytism or intra-Christian colonialism, Christian evangelisation is the
free invitation, regarding the freedom of others, to enter into communication
and engage in life-giving dialogue. An attractive evangelisation will,
therefore, be the proof of credible ecumenism. Another point for reflection was
offered by music, a common language understood by all that leads one to reflect
on the communication of faith. It must not contradict doctrine - explained the
Synod Fathers - but must make it understood through human sensitivity. In this
way, the Good News will be attractive to all, journeying towards that rebirth
of the sacred that is lived even in the far-flung areas of the Amazon.
The response of the Eucharist
Faced with the difficult situations that are experienced in
the Amazon, important answers come from the Eucharist, through which God's
grace passes, and from a widespread ministry, which also begins with women, who
are undisputed protagonists when it comes to transmitting the radical meaning
of life. It was mentioned in the Synod Hall that we must ask ourselves if it
might be necessary to re-think ministry. Many communities have difficulty
celebrating the Eucharist because of the lack of priests. It was suggested that
the criteria for selecting and preparing ministers authorised to administer the
Eucharist be changed, so as not to limit this ministry to only a few.
Women in ministry, following the example of antiquity
New paths to ancient traditions are needed, reaffirmed the
Synod Fathers. Some of the interventions during the Congregation recalled the
ancient practices that saw ministries linked to women. The Synod Fathers
reflected on the possibility of restoring similar ministries, particularly for
the ministry of Lector and Acolyte. Another intervention mentioned the
possibility of dispensing with celibacy, in order to ordain married men as
“ministers” who, under the supervision of a responsible local priest, could
minister in far flung ecclesial communities. At the same time, it was suggested
that a fund be set up to finance the formation of the laity in the biblical,
theological and pastoral spheres, so that they can better contribute to the
evangelising mission of the Church. A final reflection regarded the importance
of base communities and consecrated life, which offers a prophetic message to
the ends of the earth.
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