Redemptoris MissioThe Missionary Activity of the church

Released on January 22, 1991

Commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Second Vatican council’s decree Ad Gentes

Major Areas of ConcernLiberationBase CommunitiesLocal churchesInculturationPoverty

IntroductionThe mission of the Church is far from

completionThe missionary fruit of the Vatican II includes:

◦ A,) an increase in local churches with their own their bishops

◦ B.) a more evident presence of Christian communities in the life of nations

◦ C.) increased commitment and involvement of laityInternal and external difficulties have

weakened the Church’s missionary activity to non-Christians

Missionary evangelization is the primary service the Church can render the world.

Major Themes

I. Jesus Christ, the Only SaviorII. The Kingdom of GodIII. The Holy SpiritIV. The Horizon of Mission “ Ad

Gentes “V. The Paths of MissionVI. Leaders and Workers in MissionVII.Cooperation in MissionVIII. Missionary Spirituality

Jesus Christ, the Only Savior

Christ is the one savior of all.The urgency of missionary activity

flows from the new life of Jesus.Proclaiming and witnessing to Christ,

when respectful of consciences, does not violate human freedom

True Liberation consists in opening oneself to love of Christ

A temptation today is to reduce Christianity merely to human wisdom.

The Kingdom of GodThe proclamation of the Kingdom-

already at work in our midst-is the mission of Jesus

The kingdom is meant for all humankindBuilding the Kingdom means working for

liberation from all evilThe Kingdom is not merely economic and

political liberation, it has Christocentric and transcendental dimensions too

The Church is at the service of the Kingdom.

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is the principal agent of the

church’s mission.The gospels point to a pluralism, reflecting

different experiences of communities, within the Church’s fundamental unity.

The Spirit works in the Church also in the heart of every person.

The Church respects the action of the Spirit in persons of other religions.

Responsibility for the discernment of the presence of the Spirit lies with the Church.

The Horizon of Mission “ Ad Gentes “The Church’s mission “ad gentes” is most properly

addressed to areas where the gospel is not known or Christian communities are not sufficiently mature.

Indifferentism to mission is based on incorrect theological perspectives and religious relativism

The Church’s mission “ad gentes” should be primarily directed to Asia.

In situations of widespread poverty, the proclamation of Christ must be means for restoring human dignity

In midst of consumerism and materialism people are searching for a meaning which can Church can offer.

Today the majority of believers are particular churches are no longer found in Europe.

The Paths of MissionWitness by missionaries, families, and

communities is most important.The Church is called to witness by taking

prophetic stands in face of corruption of political or economic power

The proclamation of the Word aims at a conversion to a faith which is total and radical.

The objective of the mission “ad gentes” is to form christian communities and local churches.

Ecumenical activity can aid missionary activity.

Base communities, founded on Christ are a sign of vitality of the Church.

Through inculturation, the Churchbecomes more intelligible and more effective.

Inculturation must be guided by◦ A.) compatibility with the Gospel◦ B.) communion with the universal Church

Interreligious dialogue is a path toward the Kingdom.

The Church, through the Gospel, offers a force for liberation that springs from conversion.

The Church is called to be on the sideof the poor and oppressed.

Leaders and Workers in Mission

Young churches should share in the universal missionary work of the Church as soon as possible.

The college of bishops and the pope are primarily responsible for missionary activity

A missionary vocation is special and should be fostered.

Laity- individuals, families, and communities-play an important role in missionary activity.

Cooperation in Mission Cooperation is expressed “above all” in promoting

missionary vocations. Sharing in the sacrifice of missionaries necessitates

a reassessment in the way of living. Tourists should respect the nations they visit. Missionary activity involves liberation, development,

defense of human rights, and most of all, promoting faith.

There is a new consensus among people about values:◦ A.) rejection of violence and war◦ B.) respectfor human person and rights◦ C.) desire for freedom, justice and brotherhood◦ D.) Surmounting of some racism and nationalism◦ E.) affirmation of the dignity and role of women.

Missionary SpiritualityCharacteristics of missionary

spirituality include:◦A.) doctility to the Holy Spirit◦B.) intimate communion with Christ◦C.) Apostolic charity and zeal for

souls◦D.) profound love for the Church◦E.) the cultivation of holiness

Young churches will be a leaven of missionary spirit for the older churches.