Ecclesia in America

The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America by Pope John Paul II was handed over on 22 January 1999 in Mexico.

The document contains the accepted by the Pope and extended by him results of the first joint synod of Roman Catholic bishops American. This had to December 12, 1997 took place on 16 November in Rome, and the unity of America and the importance of local churches proved to be instruments of unity strongly and thus the vision of a future America with a just society on the one hand with the concept of a new evangelization of the entire continent on the other side connected.

The encounter with Jesus Christ in America today and the situation of the people of America and their encounter with him is treated. Special problems in American life space are discussed, which manifest themselves in the field of education and social services, in connection with the phenomenon of globalization and the increasing rural-urban migration as well as drug trafficking and consumption. The Virgin Mary is involved as a mediator between the Son of God and the people of the considerations.

Existing concerns would lead to a path of conversion. Therefore, the call is then all the more urgent, especially as the social dimension of repentance is not yet clear. The universal call to holiness of Jesus is the only way to holiness, repentance and reconciliation, it is still called.

Further approaches are discussed, which are clear effect in the Christian community. The Eucharist is the center of the community and involved in it were the bishops, priests, deacons and religious communities. It was necessary to bring the laity and their families at renewal, and therefore the element of community is an important challenge for the Christian family. In this task but not the Church's relations with the Jewish communities and other non-Christian religions are likely to be neglected.

The Pope dedicates this letter, the special importance of solidarity. He gives pointers for solidarity and emphasizes the special power of Christian solidarity. The goal is to strengthen human rights, corruption and drug abuse and to integrate marginalized groups in the community goal. Especially the problem of immigration and thus triggered conflicts with locals find great room.

Are addressed theological task fields to which belong the new evangelization and proclamation of the Good News. Primarily, these include education, the use of the mass media and the evangelization of culture. In this context, reference is also made to the published by the Second Vatican Council's Decree "Ad Gentes ". The conclusion of the document is a prayer to Jesus Christ for the families of America.

Weblink

• Text of the letter as a PDF document for download

• Apostolic Exhortation
• John Paul II
• Religion 1999