Elementary religiosity. But…

The presence of new Christian evangelical and Pentecostal movements in Italy, although presently "limited", should however be the object of "reflection", as it "highlights the need for belonging, for acceptance, for a more joyful participation to religious life", CEI president Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, vice-president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), told SIR Europe in the framework of the joint meeting of the religious leaders of Christian Churches of Europe (CCEE and CEC) who decided to devote the meeting to ‘The new Christian movements in Europe: challenges or opportunities?’ The meeting opened on February 4 in Warsaw in the seat of Caritas-Poland. Delegates from the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, led by Cardinal Péter Erdõ, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, and from the Council of European Churches, led by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France attended the symposium. Historical Christian Churches are confronted with the reality of new Christian, evangelical and Protestant movements. Over the past 100 years the continent underwent deep changes both in religious and demographic terms. Although Catholics and Orthodox represent 75% of Christians in Europe, the so-called "independent marginal Christians’ are rapidly growing in numbers. The issue is being broached in Austria, with the contribution of experts, from three different angles, namely, the sociological and historical angle, the experience of traditional Churches to this regard, along with the pastoral challenges that lie ahead. Maria Chiara Biagioni, SIR Europe correspondent from Warsaw, has asked Cardinal Bagnasco how the phenomenon of the new movements is impacting the Italian religious landscape. Limited by significant presence. "According to estimates the new movements in Italy represent 250 thousand people, including Italians and immigrants. Thus, for the time being, their presence is very limited, with a minor impact compared to other areas of the globe. However, it remains a significant presence that must be the object of reflection on the reasons why Catholic and Christian faithful decide to join these new movements", His Eminence said. "Clearly – the Cardinal added – our communities must seek renewed motivations and undergo deep self-reflection". Some leave and some others return. "Sometimes – continued Cardinal Bagnasco – the new movements make religious as well as material promises regarding personal success. Such promises however remain unfulfilled, and they are a source of disappointment. In fact, during the recent Synod on the new evangelization a number of bishops from Africa, Asia and Latin America said that the passage to the new movements from members of the Catholic Church is an existing phenomenon but there is also a phenomenon marking the return to the Catholic Church". Another feature of the new movements is the proposal of an "elementary theology, an elementary religious message" which does not require theological or doctrinal commitment, "to the benefit of the experience of joint participation, thus highlighting the emotional side". This is a feature that "historical Churches cannot pursue". Often, the cardinal remarks, "the movements are weak if not completely absent as relates to social commitment. The messages focuses on the individual, while issues relating to social transformations in the areas of justice and peace appear to have been confined to personalistic approaches". Catechesis and personal devotion. How should we respond to such challenges? "First of all with a deeper catechesis, more articulate and linked to the global experience of Christian life, which catechesis is a part of along with sacramental life, personal prayer, liturgy, charity witness and Christian community. Catechesis is certainly an important factor. Much is said about religious illiteracy ,and illiteracy can be overcome with doctrinal learning". It is also necessary to give greater emphasis to mercy and popular devotion, which sometimes we have viewed as a second-rate expression of religiousness, while instead it is a part of human experience. It should certainly be purified where it needs. It should be substantiated and valued".