Unique Occasion to Analyze Proclamation of Gospel, Says Bombay's Ivan Dias
ROME, SEPT. 30, 2001 (ZENIT.org-Fides).- Cardinal Ivan Dias, archbishop of Bombay, believes that the Synod of Bishops is a unique chance to analyze the proclamation of the Gospel, in the face of the new challenges of globalization and technology.
The Indian archbishop, 65, was elevated to cardinal by John Paul II in February. He is one of the three presidents-delegate named by the Pope for this synodal assembly.
--Q: What contribution can the bishops of Asia bring to this 10th synod?
--Cardinal Dias: The Indian bishops' conference is the fourth largest in the world. Moreover, we have three rites "sui iuris" - Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankar - so there is a rich variety.
Our task is to show that bishops, responsible for their respective particular churches, live in harmony and rejoice in unity with diversity. The synod we are about to begin will offer an opportunity to take a close look at the role of bishops in society. The world changes rapidly: Globalization and technology create new challenges.
The synod will be an opportunity to discuss, in the face of today's challenges, how to proclaim the Gospel, which is our primary duty.
--Q: What fruits have come from the Special Synod for Asia?
--Cardinal Dias: The Synod for Asia, held in 1998, was most useful: It gathered together bishops of all the Asian countries, so different in ethnic and cultural level and religious components. It heightened awareness of our common mission: to proclaim Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the world.
The challenge the synod left with us was to be a bright light because many, many people have still to hear about Jesus. Christians are only 3% in Asia.
--Q: How is the small Church in India, subjected to harsh persecution in recent years, responding to the mission to evangelize, relaunched by the Pope after the Holy Year?
--Cardinal Dias: We are giving more emphasis to the missionary dimension. The Jubilee opened our eyes to the need to preach Jesus Christ who saved the world through the cross.
In this light, persecutions have a value. Nowhere has the faith taken root without persecution. The Church in India is striving to integrate the Gospel values into Indian culture, which is also 2,000 years old and is rich in what we call "seeds of the Gospel."
Our task as bishops is to bring these seeds to full bloom. We are working on it: The earth is very fertile and the future looks bright.
In my Archdiocese of Bombay, the largest in India, we held a diocesan synod in January this year, with the active participation of many lay Catholics. The synod confirmed the goodness and enthusiasm of the People of God. Other dioceses in India are preparing for their synod to study the ideas launched during the Holy Year. The forecast for the Christian faith is good.
--Q: What are the main difficulties you meet as a bishop in your daily ministry?
--Cardinal Dias: Indian society is troubled by three serious problems which also effect the life of the Church: corruption, closure of ethnic-religious groups, caste divisions. These evils can penetrate into the Church.
Our task is to discern all that is good in a culture and to illuminate it with the light of the Gospel. We must be alert to avoid negative influences, but also to rediscover positive values that can help to communicate the Good News.
--Q: The tragedy in the United States emphasized the need for dialogue with Islam, a religion that is prominent in Asia. What prospects do you see?
--Cardinal Dias: Today, some talk of a clash between civilizations, but we must not forget that the battle is against terrorism. If we identify terrorism with Islam we run the risk of slipping into a religious conflict. This deviation must be avoided, to prevent enormous interreligious massacres.
In India, which has a population of just over 1 billion, 80% is Hindu, 12% Muslim and 2.8% Christian. Here, Christians and Muslims live in harmony, and Christians have even served as a bridge between Hindus and Muslims. We will continue along this path; dialogue is a mission.
--Q: According to statistics in Asia and Africa the number of Catholics is increasing while in Europe it is diminishing. How do you see this?
--Cardinal Dias: Europe is already Christian, whereas in Asia and Africa many of those who do not know Jesus are drawing near to the faith and asking for baptism.
Europe needs re-evangelization to revive its Christian identity, whereas in Asia and Africa people are only just discovering the newness of Christianity.
I do not see these different missions in contrast; it is a question of what to emphasize. However, the problem lies not in the quantity but in quality: This is the challenge for Europe, which already has the numbers. In Asia and Africa we are happy for rising numbers, but this also calls for responsibility to deepen the faith.
--Q: What do you hope for the synod that is about to begin?
--Cardinal Dias: St. Francis de Sales once said that a precious gem, put into honey, becomes even more brilliant. I hope that we bishops come out of the synod assembly "polished and shining" for our pastoral ministry.
Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
30. september 2001