RBC 2009 - St. Louis, MO - Opening Session

Changing Landscapes in the Church and Society

Fr. Allan Figueroa Deck, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, continued the theme from last year’s Conference and expanded on it to cover this year’s theme of “Leaving Our Own Backyard – Engaging the Multi-Cultural Tapestry of the Americas.”

The topic was how the Bishops look at the challenges around the world today and how the image of children from all races would be their symbol of these challenges. Our theme of “leaving our backyard” seems to adequately portray the need to leave our comfort zones when engaging, ministering, and evangelizing to other nationalities and to peoples of other cultures.

Fr. Deck pointed out that there is more change now in the Church than in the sixties and seventies. Recognizing that we are on the edge of a period of more dramatic changes the Pope wants to be transitional. But the question is transition to what? It seems no one knows exactly. Wanting to stay in our comfort zones, we tend to get into routines. But, the times, God, and many other factors are telling us to move on.

“How American Catholics Think About the Church,” by James D. Davidson provided the basis for defining the similarities and differences between two types of cultures.
Reviewing some of James Davidson’s framework to understanding the dynamics of culture, Fr. Deck points out that his view of the generations is based on a European cultural viewpoint. This is not necessarily relevant in light of the Latino culture or other cultures whose fundamental viewpoint is not based on an either/or approach.

How different cultures relate to Vatican II is based on their fundamental understanding and experience of life. Many times Latinos, for example, are more pious and express a greater devotion in their religious practice. Davidson divides the generations interacting within the Church into four groups: Pre-Vatican II; Vatican II; Post-Vatican II; and Millennials, who represent those after 2000.

Analyzing what Davidson has to say, Fr. Deck points out that third world groups often are about control and, therefore, place an importance on structure. This is a result, oftentimes, of a response to the dangers around them. This view applies to their way of life and encompasses their expressions and expectations with regard to their religion as well. There is an importance, for instance, placed on the idea of hierarchy even in the family. Identification with a group or with their religious affiliation has a great deal to do with their need to identify with family. This often leads to a negative response to an Institution that gives preference to membership by choice. Ideas toward commitment are also affected in as much as they are viewed as unconditional.

With respect to religious beliefs, these too are considered unconditional and, therefore, divorce, for instance, is not readily accepted. Asian groups fall into this category as well, but perhaps more so because of the idea of losing face and disgracing family. As a result, these groups cannot easily disconnect from their commitments.

In traditional cultures such as Latino, Korean, or Vietnamese, authority is also highly regarded. This was often necessary to safeguard the survival of these communities. Therefore, obedience would be highly valued and thinking for oneself, would be not be the norm as it is in a more European worldview. These traditional cultures see their members as being born into their families, communities, and religions and it is of great importance to be a member of that particular group. This is significant to the future of the Church when you realize that more than half of the Church in the US in not of European background.

It is important, Fr. Deck tells us, to realize that the reality is that what affects the Church in the US affects the Church worldwide. A hundred years ago, 25% of the Church was in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Today it is 68%. This reality is reflected in many Congregations as well. Fr. Deck suggests that this was brought home forcefully at the death of Pope John Paul II.

The Church is interested in preaching the Gospel of Jesus and not in being more liberal or conservative. Often the North American experiences and trends are contrary to the Gospel. Our values have to come out of the Gospel that we proclaim. The Church needs to find diversity along with identity. If the Church ignores diversity, it will die out and if it ignores identity, it will cease being what we are as a Church. The Church needs both to move ahead.

As Church, we need to assess our identity and we need to preserve it. We find that second generation Latinos, like European Americans, do not find their faith that important. We need to find what there is about the message of Jesus Christ that we can share with them. This is what is relevant to the Church’s mission of evangelization and understanding cultural needs and experiences is key to accomplishing this goal.