Suchergebnisse

The internat situation of the Church is in itself already a problem since by definition, the Church is in but not of this world. Nevertheless the Holy See exercises a diplomatic activity which is well worth analyzing. The Church, encompassing 17% of the world's pop, has its center of gravity in the West, & primarily in Western Europe, now that the Cath countries of Eastern Europe are under Communist domination. As long as the West appeared to possess superior power & culture, the ties between the Church & Europe helped to facilitate propagation of the faith undertaken by missionaries in non-European countries. The decline of Europe has not had any serious consequences for a church determined to be universal & which has developed a native clergy. On the international level, the Church has an eminent role to fulfill, insofar as human problems are dealt with concerning the ethical relationship of the individual to society. The 'brotherhood' preached by Rome is prior to `coexistence'. The Vatican distinguishes 3 possible forms of coexistence: in fear, in error, & in truth; the latter alone is desirable. But the Church, even in accepting coexistence, cannot be neutral. In sum, the diplomatic influence of the Holy See is becoming more & more widespread, not only with regard to relations between states, but particularly & essentially in dealing with human problems. (Translated by Z. Dana from IPSA).

Though there is now more than ever talk of a separation of powers in religious orders, such a separation is an actual fact. In this sense, the evolution of the religious orders between the 6th & 13th cent's led to a remarkable equilibrium. The abbot was virtually an absolute monarch, but the rights of the community were preserved by semi-legislative organs whose importance became increasingly apparent. Face to face then stood a legislative force constructed to deal with any summary procedures & a strong executive, equipped with numerous prerogatives & supported by obedience but aware of its provisional nature & aided by a group of assistants. In summary, the religious orders are an example of a truly democratic org with a vigorous legislative body & an effective & respected executive. Tr by J. A. Broussard from IPSA.