Saturday, November 14, 2015

Cardinal Tagle on BEC National Assembly 2015: Unity doesn’t eliminate diversity.

His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle encourages all Christians to 
respond to the call of communal discipleship. (Photo: Rainier Policarpio)
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle emphasized the essence of unity and diversity in his talk during the 3rd CBCP BEC National Assembly held on Nov. 13 at the Paco Catholic School Auditorium. 

Unity is what Christians have in common but they must remember that their personal responses to God’s call nurture their communion in sacrament, service, and mission.

Since there must be shared responsibility in the life and mission of the Church, it is hoped that BECs will strengthen such participation of the lay people – making them respond both individually and as a community. 

“Every Christian grows in faith within a community,” he said. “And we are all equal in Christian dignity.”

With the theme, BEC in the Philippines: Responding as a Community of Missionary Disciples to the Challenge of Pope Francis to be a Poor Church for the Poor, his talk focused on the relevance of participating in the life and spirit of the Church and committing oneself in becoming a follower of Christ.

He also discussed about the perspectives of addressing the reality, the culture and the economy of exclusion as a direct threat to communion. 

“We should say no to the economy of exclusion and inequality,” he continued, encouraging everyone to practice such as also reminded by Pope Francis.

“BECs should say no to exclusion of communions,” he added. “I hope that all BECs will be examples of including the excluded, outcast ones.” 

Every Christian community shall do its share in enriching personal and communal encounters. ###

Myraine Carluen Policarpio/CBCP News


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