SIGNS OF LIFE

Congregations have already begun the process of modifying their structures.

In a world of constant transformation, changes in structures and organization within our Congregations are already evident. These changes lead to greater inter-dependence and promote the vitality of our charisms in various cultures, as a more appropriate response to the realities of the countries in which we are present.

Congregations are discovering the richness of multiculturalism

More and more, our congregations are integrating cultural diversity and respect for different cultures, generations and ways of thinking.

Congregations recognize the diversity and accept the inherent consequences.

We are witnessing a growing pluralism and we know and accept that this is an irreversible process.

Experiences of collaboration

In recent years, congregations have developed different forms of interrelations among provinces of the same institute as well as among institutes of a same country or continent.

Furthermore, they wish to collaborate with those who, like themselves, are in search of a world closer to the Kingdom.

Congregations are searching for structures that are bearers of values.

Congregations are increasingly aware of the fact that structures are not neutral. They look for structures that promote such fundamental values as communion, solidarity and participation. They strive to develop an evangelical culture that embraces all cultures keeping in mind the specificity of each one of these.

OBSTACLES

Nationalism, tribalism and racism are obstacles to the development of a culture of collaboration and communion.

The burden of certain congregational and apostolic structures that drain energies and stifle dynamism.

The conflict between the search for autonomy and the demands of inter-dependence generate, at all levels, resistence to structural change.

The presence of a dominant culture (or the effects of past history) are sources of claims for identity and power conflicts.

CONVICTIONS

Structures should promote these values : participation, coresponsability, solidarity inside the congregation as well as outside, availability for mission….

Changes to structures should be inspired by a reinterpretation of the charism today and imbued with the spirituality of the Congregation.

Implementation of changes to structures cannot be successful without the participation of all the members.

Adapting and updating structures must be understood as a process of continual transformation. We cannot remain at a standstill..

The congregational culture should focus on mission and develop in the line of a preferential option for the poor. It must be the “dangerous memory” within communities and within the Church.

We must continue to promote a spirituality of communion to move ahead on the path of intercongregational collaboration.

PROPOSALS

Intensify all efforts of intercongregational collaboration. Religious Conferences could play a leadership role in this area.

Restructure and modify internal structures and apostolic works: structures must be lighter and foster freedom, communion and responsibility.

Explore paths of intercongregational solidarity, in particular,

- better distribution of financial resources

- mutual help between international and diocesan congregations.

Continue to ask for a modification in Canon Law in order to recognize equality of rights among members of clerical congregations.

Publish a press release on the Congress. Present it as a time of research for new paths for religious life, creative bonds with Presidents of National Conferences of Religious, and dialogue with the Vatican through the USG/UISG.



	GROUP 11 49 Participants: 23 nationalities, 49 congregations CONGREGATIONAL CULTURE SIGNS OF LIFE Congregations have already begun the process of modifying their structures. In a world of constant transformation, changes in structures and organization within our Congregations are already evident. These changes lead to greater inter-dependence and promote the vitality of our charisms in various cultures, as a more appropriate response to the realities of the countries in which we are present. Congregations are discovering the richness of multiculturalism More and more, our congregations are integrating cultural diversity and respect for different cultures, generations and ways of thinking. Congregations recognize the diversity and accept the inherent consequences. We are witnessing a growing pluralism and we know and accept that this is an irreversible process. Experiences of collaboration In recent years, congregations have developed different forms of interrelations among provinces of the same institute as well as among institutes of a same country or continent. Furthermore, they wish to collaborate with those who, like themselves, are in search of a world closer to the Kingdom. Congregations are searching for structures that are bearers of values. Congregations are increasingly aware of the fact that structures are not neutral. They look for structures that promote such fundamental values as communion, solidarity and participation. They strive to develop an evangelical culture that embraces all cultures keeping in mind the specificity of each one of these. OBSTACLES Nationalism, tribalism and racism are obstacles to the development of a culture of collaboration and communion. The burden of certain congregational and apostolic structures that drain energies and stifle dynamism. The conflict between the search for autonomy and the demands of inter-dependence generate, at all levels, resistence to structural change. The presence of a dominant culture (or the effects of past history) are sources of claims for identity and power conflicts. CONVICTIONS Structures should promote these values : participation, coresponsability, solidarity inside the congregation as well as outside, availability for mission…. Changes to structures should be inspired by a reinterpretation of the charism today and imbued with the spirituality of the Congregation. Implementation of changes to structures cannot be successful without the participation of all the members. Adapting and updating structures must be understood as a process of continual transformation. We cannot remain at a standstill.. The congregational culture should focus on mission and develop in the line of a preferential option for the poor. It must be the “dangerous memory” within communities and within the Church. We must continue to promote a spirituality of communion to move ahead on the path of intercongregational collaboration. PROPOSALS Intensify all efforts of intercongregational collaboration. Religious Conferences could play a leadership role in this area. Restructure and modify internal structures and apostolic works: structures must be lighter and foster freedom, communion and responsibility. Explore paths of intercongregational solidarity, in particular, - better distribution of financial resources - mutual help between international and diocesan congregations. Continue to ask for a modification in Canon Law in order to recognize equality of rights among members of clerical congregations. Publish a press release on the Congress. Present it as a time of research for new paths for religious life, creative bonds with Presidents of National Conferences of Religious, and dialogue with the Vatican through the USG/UISG.