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Pope to underline dialogue with other religions

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

The document to be presented by Pope John Paul II during the closing session of the Asian Synod in New Delhi next week is expected to lay stress on dialogue with other religions and greater inculturation, a senior Church official has said.

Father Dominic Emmanuel, chairman of the Organising Committee for the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, said the Church has been constantly stressing the need for greater dialogue with other religions in the wake of the Vatican II Council in 1962-65. The Asian Synod closure document is naturally expected to stress on "greater dialogue with other religions", besides emphasising on "greater inculturation".

The adoption of local culture by the Church in their respective areas is being looked upon as an issue of major importance.

Fr Emmanuel said the Church is also looking into "how Church will make itself relevant to situations in Asia, relevant to poverty, to poor." He said these are issues of concern within the Church.

Commenting on the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's demand for Pope's apology for Goan inquisitions, Fr Emmanuel said, "Apology itself is nothing new to the Pope... Pope never shies away from apology."

But the Pope has to decided if the "demand for apology is justified, whether he should apologise or some else, whether the time is right, and should it be under pressure from someone."

He said External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh's comment in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that the Pope is no stranger to repentance can be commented upon only after knowing "what was in Mr Singh's mind". He said it is not only Mr Singh who has been talking of apology, but also the VHP, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and others: "Jaswant Singh is only joining the band".

However, he pointed out that Home Minister L K Advani and other BJP leaders have condemned the protests.

On the Asian Synod, Fr Emmanuel said 108 Indian bishops and 40 bishops from other Asian countries have confirmed their participation for the closing session. In Delhi, the pontiff will sign and issue an "Apostolic exhortation" incorporating the recommendations of the bishops of the synod.

The Asian Synod was convened in Vatican from April 19 to May 14, 1998 and was also attended by ex-officio members such as Asian cardinals, patriarchs and presidents of the National Bishops Conferences. Of the 252 Church leaders, 98 were elected by the Bishops Conferences and 23 were appointed by the Pope.

Further, 18 were invited as experts, 40 as auditors and six as fraternal delegates from other Christian communities.

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