In October, the Church will be focusing on young people. Bishops from every continent will gather in Rome to study how to reconnect and engage the oldest institution in the world with today's youth.
Thus, the Vatican presented the working document, that will be used throughout the meeting. It includes 214 points, and other contributions, made by more than 300 young people who participated in a preparatory meeting in March.
CARD. LORENZO BALDISSERI
Secretary General, Synod of Bishops 2018
'Our job is to offer the Synod Bishops an instrument, a summary, a large study, a profound listening to today's reality. Afterwards, it will be the bishops who are responsible for giving directions during the Synod.'
The document exposes the old and new challenges of young people: the family, sexuality, the search for identity, how new technologies have changed relationships and the importance of belonging to a community. It also analyzes how they perceive the Church and what want from it.
FR. GIACOMO COSTA
Special Secretary, Synod of Bishops 2018
'Young people ask to be with people who have combated their weaknesses and who are testimonies of faith and hope. There is nothing that pushes them away more than one who is not authentic, which is abuse on every level.'
In this sense, the document advocates for a 'cultural conversion' of the whole Church. It suggests abandoning a fear of change and reflecting on what has been blocking a heartfelt dialogue with the world.
The document speaks of the danger of falling into elitism, a closed group that believes it can judge others. Finally, it touches on reverting to be a humble and outgoing Church, not afraid of getting their hands dirty when coming into contact with the difficult realities of the world.
The Synod on young people, faith and vocational discernment will be long and touch on these topics and more. It will start on October third and end on the 28th.
