CHINA: EUROPEAN TALKS, "CHINESE PRIESTS AND NUNS, A REAWAKENING OF CALLINGS BUT SO MANY PROBLEMS" (2)

” “In Europe, instead, there are 387 Chinese theology students (from both the official and the unofficial Churches), as mentioned by father Jean Charbonnier, who takes care of their education in Paris. Father Charbonnier does not hide the problems either, especially the cultural and relational ones that stem from the impact with a laicised and free Western lifestyle. Many give up, but most continue studying, even if "it would be better if, before coming to Europe, they would at least have a university background, otherwise they are not ready to become ‘intercultural brokers’, helpful to act as bridges between the European Churches and the many communities of Chinese migrants”. A curious example amidst many, which highlights these cultural differences: "The way the European lecturers present knowledge is critical and questioning. Chinese students – he tells – do not understand why the teacher asks them questions when all they have to do is knowing the answers!”. For the future, father Charbonnier recommends the European Churches "to open up to the presence of Chinese priests who speak the language of the country where they live, are open-minded and have communication skills, so as to form bonds between the two cultures”.” “