"INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS" FOR EUROPEAN SYNOD IS PUBLISHED

VATICAN CITY, JUL 12, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was the "Instrumentum Laboris," or "working document" for the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops, which will be celebrated in the Vatican from October 1 to 23. Its publication constitutes the final phase in the preparatory process for this synod, which is the last in the series of continental synods called by Pope John Paul as a means of preparation for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

The final draft of this working document was produced in the fifth meeting of the pre-synodal council, held in Rome March 16-18, 1999. Cardinal Jan Schotte, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, in his preface to the Instrumentum, explains the synod's theme, and the structure and scope of the document. Following are excerpts from that preface:

"The 'Instrumentum laboris,' presented in English, French, German and Italian, is structured according to the logical progression of ideas in the synod topic: 'Jesus Christ, Alive in His Church, the Source of Hope for Europe,' ... (and) is composed of an introduction and three major parts whose headings reflect the main aspects of the topic."

"The introduction begins by describing the present context in which the synod is being held and compares it to that in which the previous Synod took place.

"Part I - 'Europe towards the Third Millennium' - presents abundant material for the necessary discernment of 'the signs of the times.' It sets forth not only the changes which have occurred in Europe in the last decade, with their causes and reasons for hope, but also the disappointments, the risks and concerns which accompany these changes. It likewise examines some questions emerging as a result of present-day happenings in Europe."

"Part II - 'Jesus Christ, Alive in His Church' - describes the essential underlying elements of an authentic, life-giving faith. A key element to the document, this section insists that restoring and regaining hope is possible only if it arises from faith in the Risen Christ; ... only if a person believes and professes that Jesus is the one and only Savior; and only if ... a person is clearly aware that Jesus Christ and the Church are one.

"Part III - 'Jesus Christ, the Hope of Europe' - describes how encountering Jesus Christ is the basis of the Church's mission and the mission of each disciple. Some preliminary suggestions are then made on how the Church can restore hope to Europe today. ... Three sections follow on the mission of the Church - 'martyria. leitourgia, diakonia.' To stimulate discussion and possible debate, each section presents ways in which the Church can announce, celebrate and serve 'The Gospel of Hope' in Europe today. 'Proclamation and witness' treat the subjects of the new evangelization, ecumenism and dialogue with the Jews and other religions as well as the topic of the sects. In speaking of celebration, the suggestion is made to examine people's awareness of the Lord's presence in the liturgy and in today's liturgical practices. Finally, in referring to service, emphasis is placed on the witness of charity, the duty of building communion and solidarity, some pastoral areas requiring particular attention and the responsibilities and activities in constructing a new Europe.

"After commemorating the martyrs of Europe in this century and the importance of keeping their memory alive so as to bring about a new hope in Europe, ... the text concludes by presenting the relationship between the Special Assembly and the Jubilee of the Year 2000.

"The present 'Instrumentum laboris' is meant to assist in the synodal assembly's work ... (and) to point out the main issues under discussion in the local Churches in Europe. ... It will also provide occasion for a beneficial 'examination of conscience.' Above all, the document offers suggestions for discussion and analysis on some essential ways of restoring hope to Europe today."

The "Intrumentum Laboris" is scheduled to appear on the Vatican website (www.vatican.va) today, according to the Holy See Press Office. It can be found under "Roman Curia."

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