General Chapter -- 6th English Report

The following is a summary of the activities of the 20th General Chapter on Wednesday, May 21. Those reading these summaries are reminded that the chapter also maintains a web page at: http://www.scj.org

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To prepare for its discussions regarding the "global strategy," both of the morning sessions were devoted to presentations by Fr. Robert Schreiter. A member of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, Fr. Schreiter is, as Fr. Jim Schroeder introduced him, "a citizen of the world." He has traveled extensively, researching issues related to global awareness, inculturation and theology and has written many books on this topic. His roles in leadership, academics and in various organizations, are numerous. Many SCJs know him through his work at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

In his first presentation, he spoke of the major changes the world has undergone in the past 10 years and how these changes have created a new reality in which religious congregations, as well as others, must define themselves and their mission. He cited four things which have brought on a "globalization" of the world since 1990: 1) the revolution in communications and technology, 2) the collapse of bi-polar world order brought about by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, 3) the rise of neo-liberal capitalism, 4) the migration of peoples.

Fr. Schreiter defined globalization as the "shrinking of time and space," which is the result of fast and inexpensive communications (fax machines and e-mail) and the ease and relative inexpense of transportation (goods and people) by jet airplanes. Through the use of wireless phone systems, he asserts, even some of the most remote areas of the world will have access to modern communication methods. The consequences of this are not clear, but it is likely that these advancements will lead to a greater homogenization of the world. Boundaries between nations and/or states will be less defined and information will no longer be able to be kept from those inside a border. Agents of change -- positive and negative -- can no longer be constrained.

The collapse of the Berlin Wall, said Fr. Schreiter, led to the end of a world order that had been in existence since 1945. However, what has replaced that is not yet clear. What is evident though is that since this world order came to an end, there has been an increased eruption of "particularisms" he said. Previously oppressed ethnic cultures are reasserting themselves, often by violent means.

While globalization can create a more homogenous world culture, at the same time it calls forth intense particularism. Local cultures are very resilient -- especially in regards to religion. He cited the rise of fundamentalism, which is growing at a rapid pace in many faiths -- Christianity and Islam are just two examples. Increasingly, religion is being used as a weapon.

The rise of neo-liberal capitalism has made much money for some, but overall, created a wider gap between the "haves" and "have-nots." According to a 1996 report, in recent years, 20% of the world's population has improved economically while 80% are more economically desperate than ever before.

Greater migration of peoples he said, has given rise to local conflicts (25 million refugees are estimated to be in transit each year) as well as the creation of unsustainable mega-cities.

During the question and answer period following this part of the presenation, Fr. Schreiter spoke about how the church can address some the issues related to globalization. Catholic social teaching, he said, is a powerful tool. So far, the church has addressed human rights in detail, but he believes it should speak out more regarding economic matters. The church can be a protagonist for positive change. "Conservative groups are good at mobilizing their message," he said. The Catholic church can do this too.

And, he noted that the SCJs are in an excellent position to approach some of these issues. "It is your charism, not a common work which holds you together," he said. Locally and internationally, the Priests of the Sacred Heart could address the ramifications of globalization.

The second half of his presentation dealt more specifically with how an international congregation can utilize the information he presented. International congregations will have to look at their allocation of resources. In years past, the Netherlands and Ireland provided most of the world's missionaries. But now, these areas receive few vocations. Countries in the Southern Hemisphere are experiencing numerous vocations, yet their financial resources are limited.

This phenomenon is being experienced by the SCJs as with other congregations. In the next two decades, the composition of the General Chapter will look much different. How will the SCJs mesh the resources and traditions of the provinces of the northern hemisphere with those of the southern?

How will formation and leadership in the congregation change? Fr. Schreiter believes that formation will require deeper immersion into the global nature of the congregation. Religious will need to learn a language other than their native tongue to more fully participate in international meetings. He notes that this is not just an issue for English speakers. Initial and on-going formation needs to help religious become more aware of and open to other cultures.

Formation must also focus on preparing future leaders of the congregation. This will become an even greater issue in the near future. Typically, leaders come from the 45-55 year age group, but most religious communities have suffered a decline in this category. How will this be addressed? Where will the leaders come from and how will they be prepared?

Religious will need to further learn how to live together in international communities. "Sint Unum," he said, reflecting on the well-used SCJ phrase.

The congregation must also look at what its mission is in the world and how that mission will be lived and achieved.

"You have a rich charism..." he said. "Have the courage of your charism as you formulate your global strategy."

CHALLENGES FOR THE CONGREGATION
During their linguistic groups on Tuesday, delegates discussed the challenges that arise from the social, cultural and political context in which the congregation is called to undertake its mission. Results of those discussions were shared in Wednesday's afternoon session.

Common issues which arose included individualism, secularism, the primacy of the economy over other parts of society, corruption on all levels, neo-liberalism, unemployment, the challenge of reaching out to youth, the departure of professed members, the relationship of faith and the gospel to society, the role of the telecommunications, the migration of peoples, environmental degradation and globalization.

Following a brief report on the SCJs' work in India, there was a question and answer session with Fr. Bressanelli and the General Council. Several delegates asked the council about the "Global Strategy." The idea, said Fr. Bressanelli, arose in part out of the last General Chapter and was further discussed at the General Conference in Hales Corners. During the provincials meeting held there, all but one provincial agreed that "Global Strategy" would be a good topic for the General Chapter.

What Fr. Bressanelli envisions when he says "Global Strategy" is "We the Congregation." There is a need, he believes, to develop common guidelines to bring together resources and personnel. This means that individualism, on a personal and province level, needs to evolve into an awareness of "We the Congregation."

In support of the general administration, one provincial said that he was unsure of the concept of "Global Strategy" but that he had slowly begun to embrace the idea as his own.

Related to the "Global Strategy," several delegates had questions about governance -- was the strategy going to increase power or authority at the general level at the expense of the provinces? One of the general councilors addressed the question noting that the council was not seeking more "power" but instead, it wanted the chapter to give the general administration the authority needed to complete the tasks asked of it.

"If the chapter is going to tell the General Administration to handle a project, it has to also give it the staff and resources," said Fr. Carlos Alberto Da Costa. The chapter needs to define a way to do that. In the present situation, said one councilor, the General Council has little more than "moral authority" in the congregation.

The question and answer period was to continue during the next day's meeting.

The last item of business was the Lay Dehonians. It was to be their last day with the chapter and they were given time to make a few brief statements. They look forward to another Lay Dehonian gathering and hope for a greater "connectedness" with the congregation.

"What I have heard and experienced during my time here has convinced me that the SCJ congregation is earnestly trying to be true to the charism of Fr. Dehon, which also means being true to the Word of God, the Good News of Jesus Christ, in a world which is crying out for love, peace, joy and justice, in a world which is seeking a meaning for life" said Roisin Leech of the British Irish Province.

All the Lay Dehonians expressed their gratitude for not only being present at the chapter, but also having a level of participation in it.

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CORRECTION:
In the Fifth Chapter report, it was mistakenly reported that the South Italian Province likened itself to an old cathedral. It was the NORTH not South Italian Province which used this symbol.

Mary Gorski
mgiornal@scj.org
Rome, Italy