Covid-19 and racism key
issues discussed at Irish Bishops meeting
 |
| Pope Francis with the Bishops of Ireland (ANSA) |
The Summer General meeting of the Irish Bishops Conference
concludes following discussions on the Covid-19 pandemic and the issue of
racism.
By Vatican News
The Bishops of Ireland have concluded their Summer General
meeting which focused on a number of key themes including, the Covid-19
pandemic and the issue of racism.
The meeting was held by video conference, due to the current
restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Challenges during Covid-19
During the video call, the Bishops prayed for the repose of
the souls of those who died due to COVID-19. They also acknowledged the
depth of pain experienced by those who lost a loved one and offered their
prayerful support to "the many people who have further suffered due to the
restrictions placed on funeral rites and attendance."
While expressing thanks to the faithful for their prayers,
sacrifice and perseverance during the public health restrictions announced in
March, the Bishops also noted this has also been a time of “uncertainty
and anxiety with the sharpest rise in unemployment."
In general, they said, “the experience of lockdown for
priests has been both innovative and difficult. The widespread use of
webcam technology provided an opportunity for online ministry and
evangelization like never before, enabling many priests to keep the light of
the Gospel shining during this dark period.”
But, the Bishops emphasized, “faith practice is also about
community and the Covid-19 crisis has been tough on many priests at a personal
level and especially for the many cocooning at this time.”
Framework Document
During their meeting, the Bishops also published a Framework
Document “to assist parishes as they prepare for the celebration again of
public worship in a measured and safe way.” It consists of a checklist
focusing on: initial steps; the need to follow the most up-to-date public
health advice at all times; and, on liturgical matters.
Racism
Another key theme discussed at the Summer Meeting was
racism, in light of the Black Lives Matter protests which have been taking
place all over the world. The Bishops noted that the evil of racism is
not simply an American phenomenon.
“Racism, they pointed out, “can take many forms, covert and
overt, and we in Ireland need to examine our own consciences. Irish
society, including our Church communities, benefits from the gifts of many
people of different racial origins who contribute to our life and to the
quality of life in manifold ways.” At the same time, they said, ”many
people of colour, including Irish citizens, report experiences of racist
rejection and discrimination.”
The Bishops underlined that “in post Covid-19 times a key
priority and option for the Christian must be the promotion and defence of the
equal dignity of each human person as a child of God and member of the one
human family.”
Synod of Bishops
At their meeting, the Irish Bishops also welcomed the
announcement by Pope Francis in March that the theme of XVI Ordinary
General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in 2022 will be: For a synodal
Church: communion, participation, and mission.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét