UNDERSTANDING THE HOLY SEE: ECCLESIAL (LAY) MOVEMENTS, PART

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 VATICAN 000026 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KIRF VT SUBJECT: UNDERSTANDING THE HOLY SEE: ECCLESIAL (LAY) MOVEMENTS, PART I REF: A. 2007 VATICAN 195 B. 2007 VATICAN 161 VATICAN 00000026 001.2 OF 002 Summary -------------- ¶1. (U) This is the second in a series intended to facilitate cooperation with Holy See and Catholic Church entities to promote U.S. goals through a greater understanding of the Holy See's institutions, agencies and structures (reftel A). In this cable, we provide an overview of ecclesial movements -- also known as lay movements or international associations of the faithful -- and their influence in society, politics, and the future of the Catholic Church. Ecclesial movements are religious organizations for "ordinary" Catholics. While the movements vary widely in structure, membership requirements, and charisms, most share some common characteristics. The Holy See's Council for the Laity -- rather than local bishops -- is responsible for processing requests for the official recognition of ecclesial movements. Lay movements are the vanguard of the Church today and are therefore powerful allies of the Holy See in globally promoting Catholic views and values, including many shared by the USG, such as human rights. Ecclesial movements' charismatic appeal -------------- ¶2. (U) Ecclesial movements are a fundamental part of the universal Catholic Church. There are over 150 international ecclesial movements worldwide. These movements are not simply non-governmental organizations (though some have in fact established associated NGOs). Ecclesial movements can originate from a vision by a charismatic leader or a group of very committed "ordinary" Catholics. Without deviating from Church Magisterium (the official teachings of the Church),movements may emphasize a particular means to be an active part of the Catholic Church and -- significantly -- of society as a whole. ¶3. (U) Ecclesial movement "charisms" may focus, among other things, on charitable work, strengthening the personal faith of members, or infusing the geo-political world with Christian values. (By "charism", the Church means the action of the Holy Spirit on Earth.) Many of the movements were established or found new prominence during the second half of the 20th century, around the time of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). The movements vary widely in structure, membership requirements, and focus. Most nevertheless share some common characteristics, such as a specific itinerary of formation and prayer, and a particular outreach such as evangelization, care for the poor, or international conflict resolution. They have grassroots beginnings, mostly European origins, and often conservative theological underpinnings. Most arose outside the bounds of a mainstream parish. While they are mostly comprised of lay people, they may also include clerics (it is for this reason that the Holy See refers to them as "ecclesial" rather than "lay" movements). Members of the ecclesial movements often make a commitment to live a "consecrated life". This sometimes means chastity and living in community (a group home) with other members. Because of the diversity of movements, however, the range of commitments is very broad. The Holy See's supervisory role -------------- ¶4. (SBU) In reviewing applications for official recognition, the Holy See's Council for the Laity consults with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith -- to ensure that the movement's charism is dogmatically sound -- and with the bishops where the group is active. According to Holy See officials familiar with the process, some applicants never complete it because they feel it is too onerous, preferring to remain broadly-defined Catholic groups rather than receiving the official designation of "an international association of the faithful of Pontifical right". ¶5. (U) The direct link between the Holy See and the movements, as well as the activism that they may bring at the grassroots level, can give rise to tensions between the movements and the local Church hierarchy. At the same time, Holy See officials note, a well-managed relationship can be very beneficial to the local dioceses, as the movements can bring about human and material resources not available to most parish priests. VATICAN 00000026 002.2 OF 002 Ecclesial movements and the future of the Church -------------- --- ¶6. (SBU) A professor of Church history at the Gregorian University in Rome commented to poloff recently that "lay movements are the future of the Church". For this Jesuit professor, the role that the Jesuits themselves once played as the vanguard of the Catholic Church has now been passed on to lay movements. A Holy See official agreed, noting that the Jesuits have 20,000 fewer members today than they did fifty years ago, while ecclesial movements continue to grow (Note: Other observers, however, caution about underestimating the four hundred and sixty-eight year-old Society of Jesus, which recently elected a new Superior General. End note.) ¶7. (U) Pope Benedict XVI has followed in his predecessor's footsteps in giving his blessing to lay movements, as long as they maintain fidelity to the core of Catholic teaching and respect the authority of the local bishop. For Pope Benedict, the ecclesial movements and the local church are not in opposition to each other, but rather are different expressions of the singular reality that is the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict also sees the lay movements as "elite troops" who will take up his call for a major push against what he has described as the moral relativism of 21st century society. (Note: For a look at three influential lay movements and their work in Italy and beyond, see septel. End note.) Comment -------------- ¶8. (U) Comment: Lay movements are powerful allies of the Holy See in globally promoting Catholic Church views and values. Because they are mostly lay men and women fully integrated in society, members of ecclesial movements are not as recognizable as diocesan priests or religious (nuns, monks, and friars). Without being secretive, the movements' lower visibility allows them to reach places and people -- political and business circles, youth, intellectuals, workers, etc -- in ways that traditional Church hierarchies cannot. This is the case, for example, in authoritarian countries weary of independent organized religion, or in the midst of secular developed societies that may view Church institutions as a thing of the past. Often, the values they promote -- religious freedom, inter-religious dialogue, conflict resolution, and solidarity with the poor -- coincide with USG goals to promote liberty, human rights, peace, and development. End comment. GLENDON