Ecclesia in Asia

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The “Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ” Ecclesia in Asia by Pope John Paul II was published in New Delhi, India, on November 6, 1999, and deals with evangelization in Asia . The individual chapters deal with the following subject areas:

introduction

Here we first report on the preparation and implementation of the Asian Synod of Bishops . It is expressed that the results of this special event are of great importance for the entire Asian continent.

Chapter I: The Asian Context

The cultural and Christian situation is described in this chapter, it is pointed out that it is Asia in which the birthplace of Christ and the Church lies. The following is a presentation of the economic and social realities and the political situation in Asia. Finally, the past and present of the Church in Asia are described.

Chapter II: Jesus the Redeemer: A Gift for Asia

The sending of the Son of God represents a gift of faith , because Jesus Christ is the truth of man, it says in this chapter.

Chapter III: The Holy Spirit: Lord and Giver of Life

This chapter is dedicated to the Holy Spirit of God in the history of creation and salvation, he is the incarnation of the Word and would strengthen the Church in Asia with his spirit and healing power.

Chapter IV: Jesus the Savior: proclaiming the gift

In it the Pope describes the challenge of inculturation , whereby the preaching has clear priority. It must be proclaimed that Jesus is the Savior and that the gift of faith must be proclaimed in Asia. The Christian life is the key to inculturation.

Chapter V: Communion and Dialogue for Mission

Community and mission must go hand in hand, he says in this chapter. It is important that community within the church and the solidarity of the churches be a hope for the divided country. Dialogue and readiness for dialogue are the key to the Eastern Catholic Churches and access to ecumenical and interreligious groups.

Chapter VI: Serving Human Development

The key message of this chapter can be summarized as follows: The focus is on people and the binding link is the social teaching of the Church. Furthermore, human dignity must be respected and the primary love for the poor must be in the foreground. Some problems are touched upon, these are health care, education and training , globalization and foreign debts, and finally environmental conditions and peace building .

Chapter VII: Witnesses of the Gospel

The bearers of the spread of the Gospel are now named, and they are called to preach and witness the faith: the laity , the families , the youth , because it is they who would exemplify the Christian life.

Enough

Thanks and encouragement follows, ending with a prayer to the Mother of Jesus .

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