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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.