MEETING OF SPECIAL COUNCIL FOR ASIA OF SYNOD OF BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 2, 2006 (VIS) - According to a communique made public today by the Synod of Bishops, the 10th Meeting of the Special Council for Asia was held in Rome on November 17 and 18.

  Under the presidency of Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, the cardinals, archbishops and bishops who participated in the meeting considered "two themes of great contemporary importance contained in the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation 'Ecclesia in Asia:' vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life, and inter-religious dialogue."

  In the continent of Asia between 1978 and 2004, the communique states, "the numbers of secular clergy rose by 5.56 percent, and of regular clergy by 42.55 percent. Male religious vocations increased by 38.72 percent, and female religious vocations by 64.59 percent."

  As for inter-religious dialogue, the communique notes "the numerous efforts and positive results achieved by particular Churches and episcopal conferences in maintaining dialogue and collaboration with the great religions of the Asian continent, especially Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism; although there is no lack of difficulties provoked by certain groups of fundamentalists in various countries. They, however, are minority groups, given that the great majority of religious believers remains open to dialogue, and is disposed to collaborate with Christians and with men and women of good will in promoting justice and peace, and the fundamental values of social coexistence, among which respect for religious freedom has an important position."

  The note from the Synod of Bishops also recalls how the first Asian Mission Congress was held in Chang Mai, Thailand, from October 18 to 22. The theme of the event was "the Story of Jesus, a celebration of faith and life," and among the participants were observers from non-Christian religions.

  The next meeting of the Special Council for Asia is due to be held on November 20 and 21, 2007.
SE/SYNOD ASIA/ETEROVIC                            VIS 20061204 (320)