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Global Integration of Missions in the United States Today Marcello Zago, O.M.I.

ission is the workof the HolySpirit, but the HolySpirit seminaries and in the sendingof missionariesfor variousperiods M assumes and seeks human collaboration. Therefore of time. always comes about and develops in a particular The in the United States is generous in its socioreligious context. Catholic missions in and from the United financial contribution to the missions. Many American men and States of America are no exception. women have served with great generosity as in many countries. In general, however, the impact of The American Setting American Catholics is less visible, both abroad and within the country among new immigrants. The reasons are ambiguous. It The United States is a leader in many ways: is difficult to discern whether this lessened impact comes from attitudes that are more cautious, or from a certain fear or inferi­ • in racial integration, welcoming immigrants of every extrac­ ority complex, or from a concentration on the needs of its own tion and giving them citizenship; community. • in the exercise of personal and group freedom, including that The history of American Catholics, who came from the four of religion; winds and who have had to insert themselves into a markedly • in the economy,producingwealthandwork,spreadingworld­ Protestant society, perhaps explains a tendency to retreat into wide; themselves. The church had to take care of its own communities • in scientific and technological progress, attracting the greatest and help them become part of the country; its first priority was experts in the world and finding new ways of doing things; not missionary expansion. The time has now come, however, for • in modern social communications, exporting its film produc­ the Catholic Church to be more committed to the mission ad tions and its various news networks and giving rise to a gentes and to have a missionary approach in all her activities globalized culture. within the country and elsewhere. There are many signs that the church is moving in this direction. For many of these reasons American society appears as a precursor of the emerging world that is globalized and pluralis­ To Whom Is Mission Directed? tic. Many of these manifestations can be considered not only as human achievements but also as God's gifts. The described Christ's church as mis­ The religious impact of the United States in the world is a sionary "by its very nature" (AdgentesfAG], no. 2),but that does recent and important fact. The Christian churches of evangelical not mean that her every activity is equally missionary and that and charismatic tradition have a widespread and dynamic im­ everysituationhas the same urgency and missionaryvalue. John pact both within the country and worldwide. They have a clear Paul II, in Redemptoris missio (RM), his missionary encyclical, missionary thrust for spreading the . The attention given indicates three distinct situations with regard to faith and evan­ by these churches to immigrants of whatever origin has always gelization. There are communities of believers toward which the borne fruit in conversions and in the establishment of Christian church continues her pastoral care; there are groups that have communities. American political and cultural presence in other lost the faith and all vital contact with the Christian community, countries, especially in America, has helped their mission­ toward which the church must undertake a new evangelization ary activity. The military regimes in the 1970s and 1980s sup­ or reevangelization; and there are peoples and groups that have ported their growth as part of a policy of diminishing the impact never received the Gospel (RM, no. 33). In regard to the third of the Catholic Church. In different countries many people category,the popesays, "Thereisthe situationwhichthe Church's looked, and still look, at the Unites States as a country formed of missionary activity addresses: peoples, groups and socio-cul­ Protestant communities that were able to give rise to the socio­ tural contexts in which Christ and his Gospel are not known, or economic progress of society. Aided by these attitudes, the which lack Christian communities sufficiently mature to be able Protestant evangelical missionary movement found expression to incarnate the faith in their own environmentand proclaimit to in a variety of humanitarian programs that were normally ac­ other groups. This is mission adgentesin the proper sense of the companied by evangelical and ecclesial proposals. Among the term" (RM, no. 33). He is talking about non-Christian peoples characteristics of Protestant missionary efforts have been in­ and groups that can be found in the different continents and volvement of the laity in short- and long-term projects, commu­ countries. nication between the receiving community and the benefactor, Let us recall the world situation in that regard. The world and various forms of partnership. One notes this dynamic ap­ population is more than six billion. Christians of all kinds make proachalso in the developmentand teachingof missiology in the up two billion. Two-thirds of humanity are non-Christians; they do not know or accept Christ. To them is directed the mission ad gentes, entrusted by Christ to the church as her first duty. Chris­ Marcello Zago, O.M.I., Secretary of the Congregation for the tiansall togethermake upover30percentof the population,with Evangelization ofPeoples at theVatican, wasa missionary in Laos forsixteen Catholics accounting for 17.2 percent, but they are not equally years, secretary of the Secretariat for Non-Christians (now the Pontifical Council forInterreligious Dialogue), and General of theMissionary distributed. In Africa they are 14.91percent, in the United States ofMaryImmaculate (1986-1998). Thisessay wasfirstpresented asthe 26.9 percent, in 41.39 percent, in Oceania 27.54 percent, keynote address at Mission Congress 2000,held September 28 to October I, and in Asia only 2.96 percent. That is why the invites us to 2000, in Chicago. Archbishop Zago is author of The Church and Other be more concerned with the evangelization of Asia. Through the Religions, ReflectionsandOrientationson DialogueandMissions (1984). modern migration of peoples there are non-Christian groups

2 INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN OF MISSIONARY RESEARCH established in countries that are traditionally Christian, for ex­ International Bulletin ample Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus in Europe and in North America. of Missionary Research In the postsynodal exhortation Ecclesia in America (EA), the Established 1950 by R. Pierce Beaver as Occasional Bulletin from the pope recognizes that there are such groups in the American Missionary Research Library. Named Occasional Bulletin of Missionary continent in need of a first evangelization: Research 1977. Renamed INrERNATIONAL BULLETIN OF MISSIONARY RESEARCH 1981. Published quarterly in January, April, July, and October by Jesus Christ entrusted to his Church the mission of evangelizing Overseas Ministries Study Center all nations.... Evangelization is most urgent among those on this 490 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, U.S.A. continent who do not yet know the name of Jesus, the only name Tel: (203) 624-6672 • Fax: (203) 865-2857 given to men and women that they may be saved (cf, Acts 4:12). E-mail: [email protected]. Web: http://www.OMSC.org Unfortunately, the name of Jesus is unknown to a vast part of humanity and in many sectors of American society. It is enough to Editor: Contributing Editors: JonathanJ.Bonk CatalinoG.Arevalo,S.J. MaryMotte,F.M.M. think of the indigenous peoples not yet Christianized or of the B.Barrett C. RenePadilla presence of non-Christian [immigrants].... Associate Editor: StephenB.Bevans, S.V.D. JamesM.Phillips This obliges the Church in America to be involved in the RobertT.Coote SamuelEscobar Dana L.Robert mission ad gentes. The program of a new evangelization on the BarbaraHendricks,M.M. Lamin Sanneh Americancontinent, to which many pastoral projectsare directed, Assistant Editor: Paul G.Hiebert WilbertR.Shenk cannot be restricted to revitalizing the faith of regular believers, ]. Nicholas Jan A. B.Jongeneel CharlesR.Taber but must strive as well to proclaim Christ where he is not known. SebastianKarotemprel, S.D.B. TiteTienou (EA, no. 74) Senior Contributing Editor David A. Kerr Ruth A.Tucker GeraldH. Anderson Graham Kings DesmondTutu Nonetheless, the churches in America cannot limit them­ Anne-Marie Kool Andrew F.Walls selves to these non-Christians in the United States. The exhorta­ Gary B.McGee AnastasiosYannoulatos tion continues, underlining the universal mission: Books for review and correspondence regarding editorial matters should be Likewise, the particular Churches in America are called to extend addressed to the editors. Manuscripts unaccompanied by a self-addressed, their missionary efforts beyond the bounds of the continent. They stamped envelope (or international postal coupons) will not be returned. cannot keep for themselves the immense riches of their Christian Subscriptions: $23 for one year, $41 for two years, and $57 for three years, heritage. They must take this heritage to the whole world and postpaid worldwide. Airmail delivery is $16 per year extra. Foreign sub­ share it with those who do not yet know it. Here it is a question of scribers must pay in U.S. funds only. Use check drawn on a U.S. bank, many millions of men and women who, without faith, suffer the Visa, MasterCard, or International Money Order in U.S. funds. Individual most serious kind of poverty. Faced with this poverty, it would be copies are $7.00; bulk rates upon request. Correspondence regarding sub­ a mistake not to encourage an evangelizing effort beyond the scriptions and address changes should be sent to: INrERNATIONAL BULLETIN OF continent with the excuse that there is still much to do in America MIsSIONARY RESEARCH, P.O. Box 3000, Denville, New Jersey 07834, U.S.A. or to wait until the Church in America reaches the point, basically utopian, of full maturity. Advertising: With the hope that the American continent, in accordance Ruth E. Taylor with its Christian vitality, will play its part in the great task of the 11 Graffam Road, South Portland, Maine 04106, U.S.A. mission ad gentes, I make my own the practical proposals pre­ Telephone: (207) 799-4387 sented by the Synod Fathers: lito maintain a greater cooperation between sister Churches; to send missionaries (priests, religious Articles appearing in this journal are abstracted and indexed in: and lay faithful) within the continent and abroad; to strengthen or Bibliografia Missionaria IBR (International Bibliography of create missionary institutes; to encourage the missionary dimen­ Book ReviewIndex Book Reviews) sionof consecrated and contemplative life; to givegreaterimpetus Christian Periodical Index IBZ (International Bibliography of to mission promotion, training and organization." I am sure that Guide to People in Periodical Literature Periodical Literature) the pastoral zeal of the Bishops and of the sons and daughters of Guide to Social Science andReligion in Missionalia theChurchthroughout America willdevise concrete plans, also at Periodical Literature Religious andTheological Abstracts the intemationallevel, to implement with great dynamism and Religion IndexOne: Periodicals creativity these missionary proposals. (EA, no. 74) Index, abstracts, and full text of this journal are available on databases provided by ATLAS,EBSCO,H. W. Wilson Company, The Gale Group, and Paths of Mission ad Gentes University Microfilms. Back issues may be seen on the ATLAS website, http://purl.org/CERTR/ATLAS/Phase1.html. Also consult InfoTrac data­ The missionadgentes is carried out through special activities and base at many academic and public libraries. For more information, contact attitudes: "Mission is a single but complex reality, and it devel­ your online service. ops in a variety of ways. Among these ways, some have particu­ lar importance in the present situation of the Church and the Opinions expressed in the INrERNATIONAL BULLETIN are those of the authors (RM, and not necessarily of the Overseas Ministries Study Center. world" no. 41). Various elements are underlined by the missionary encyclical, such as witness, proclamation, formation Copyright© 2001by OverseasMinistries StudyCenter.All rightsreserved. of communities and churches, , dialogue, human Second-class postage paid at New Haven, Connecticut. promotion, prayer, and contemplation. Here I would like to POSTMASTER: Send address changes to INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN OF focus on several characteristics of missionary activity. MIssIONARY RESEARCH, P.O. Box 3000, Denville, New Jersey 07834, U.S.A. Charity. All authentic missionary activity expresses some­ thing deeper. Mission outreach demands a quality of being. That ISSN 0272-6122 which characterizes and animates all missionary activity is char­ ity. The mission, in fact, is the extension of the love of God, who

January 2001 3 "loved the world so much that he sent his onlySon." The mission an ecclesial and a personallevel: it is a collaborationat the service of Jesus was that of making visible the love of the Father and of the human person and society, it is mutual knowledge, it is a introducing men and women into Trinitarian communion. We sharing of the gifts possessed,it is a traveling together toward the sharein the love and the mission of God; we are cooperators with final end (see RM, nos. 19-20,55-77). Christ and the Holy Spirit, who remain the principal agents. This Dialogue does not bringabout the loss of one's ownreligious divine love in us is incarnated in our respect for people, for their identity but strengthens it in mutual witness. It does not exclude values and their way of , and is expressed in concrete proclamation but makes it understandable and more easily services and activities according to the needs of those to whom accepted. Thanks to dialogue, especially in Asia, the closing in of we are sent and the possibilities in the context. the communities on themselves has been halted, so that they can Redemptoris missio concludes the chapteron paths of mission thus become visible and witness their own faith and their own as follows: "It is in fact these 'works of charity' thatrevealthe soul religious experience. The first challenge in today's mission is to of all missionary activity: love, which has been and remains the harmonize proclamation and dialogue. drivingforce of mission, and is also 'thesole criterionfor judging The recent document DominusIesus wishes to clarify Chris­ what is to be done or not done, changed or not changed. It is the tian identity and to put evangelization as well as dialogue in the principle which must direct every action, and the end to which right perspective. that action mustbe directed. When we act with a view to charity, Social transformation. By its nature the Gospel renews all or are inspired by charity, nothing is unseemly and everything is aspects of human life, both personal and social. Thus, to work for good'" (RM, no. 60). In my many contacts with missionaries I social transformation, human promotion, and commitment for have often noticed that charity was at the heart of their commit­ justice is an integral part of mission and an expression of charity. ments, making them creative, persevering, and joyful. Concrete forms can vary depending on the possibilities offered, Proclamation. The greatest act of charity is to make known the capacity of involvement, and existing social structures. I will Jesus Christ, to introduce men and women "into the mystery of give two examples. First, the impactof the workof MotherTeresa the love of God, who invites them to enter into a personal of Calcutta on Indian culture surpassed the various forms of educationalandsocial commitmentthatexistedand hada greater influence than the promotion of justice. Her care of the aban­ Proclamation is not always doned ones of society helped people to see that every human something official. It is done person is important and worthy of respect. Second, a great need exists today for reconciliation among groups, which is a form of in the ordinary contacts with evangelization that includes the transformation of human val­ neighbors and friends. ues. This need is urgent not only among ethnic rivalries as in Africa or among certain castes in India but also among different peoples in the United States (natives and whites, whites and relationship with himselfin Christ" (RM, no. 44). I remember the blacks, established Americans and new immigrants, etc.), reaction of persons or groups who, after accepting the evangeli­ Presence. Missionthatfollows the modelofChrist,whomade cal proclamation, asked simply: "But why is it only nowthat you himself one with us, is not fulfilled at a distance. One must be have spoken to us about Christ?" present. Presence with the people being evangelized is a charac­ Proclamation is not always something official; it can be a teristic of mission. Charity is mere abstraction if one remains cut personal conversation, a friendly witnessing and invitation. It is off and distant from the persons and peoples to be evangelized. done in the ordinary contacts with neighbors and friends, more Presence is a condition for becoming visible, to witness our so than in churches or in organized gatherings. Conversions in identity, to dialogue with the other, to cooperate in social trans­ Korea, for example, are the fruits of these ordinary contacts with formation, to proclaim the Good News. The presence of mission­ convinced lay Catholics. aries brings its fruits. Proclamation is the first duty of the church: "All forms of Libya was once closed and hostile. In the 1980s Colonel missionary activity are directed to this proclamation, which Qaddafi asked the Vatican for sisters to work in the state hospi­ reveals and gives access to the mysteryhiddenfor ages and made tals. With effort, more than 200 religious sisters were found. known in Christ" (RM, no. 44). It is the greatest gift that we can Their presence in the hospitals has changed the image of the give. Every person has the right to know it, so that he or she can church in the minds of the people; it is now represented and seen make a choice. In the last few decades there has been a rediscov­ through these religious sisters. Thanks to this development the ery of the importance of evangelizationfor the missionand life of church was also able to ensure a sufficient number of priests. In the church. Paul VI gave the most incisive formulation of this many Asian cities (e.g., in Thailand) urban immigration has point in his exhortation Evangelii nuntiandi(EN).Evangelization helped to make the Christians known, for until their move they is a process, intended not only to change the person but to had been living in rural isolation. influence the culture itself, its values and patterns (EN, nos. 18­ Presence can lead to extreme consequences, and indeed 19). many have paid with their lives. It is one of the ways of martyr­ Dialogue. Today another activity that is becoming more and dom, as is evidentin many countries in Africa that are tormented more necessary is that of dialogue. It is neither a fashion nor a by internal wars. simple tactic. It is an expression of charity. It can be conceived as Adaptability and inculturation. When we are motivated by a method and as a specific activity. As a method it means an charity in the midst of a given situation, we discover the needs approach that is respectful and gradual, and it should be prac­ and possibilities of mission. The church's response should be ticed with everyone. As an activity it is directed toward non­ holistic and integral. We should always keep an integral vision Christians. It has as its aim the task of growing together toward and do our best to implement it. But everything is not always the kingdom of God, which is its goal. It has many expressions at possible in all circumstances; there are situations where procla­

4 INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN OF MISSIONARY RESEARCH mation, conversion, and even religious practice are practically commitment. . . . For missionary activity renews the Church, impossible, as in many Muslim countries. Yet even there the revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusi­ mission must not cease. It can find valid expression in such ways asm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to as dialogue, human promotion, prayer, or simple witnessing others! It is in commitmentto theChurch'suniversalmissionthat presence (see RM, no. 57). Even if it is necessary to promote the the new evangelization of Christianpeoples will find inspiration human rights of religious freedom and of reciprocity, the church and support" (RM, no. 2). must always carry out what is possible; it can in this way "Onthe other hand, the boundariesbetween pastoral care of collaborate in the work of salvation. the faithful, new evangelization and specific missionary activity Inculturation is essential for effective evangelization that are not clearly definable, and it is unthinkable to create barriers transforms persons and groups. But we are still making the first between them or to put them into watertight compartments. steps, because inculturation is a long process involving all as­ Nevertheless,theremustbe no lesseningof theimpetusto preach pects of life and flowing from a deep Christian experience. the Gospel and to establish new churches among peoples or Inculturationis a challenge,notonlyfor the newyoungchurches, communities where they do not yet exist, for this is the first task but for all, since culture is changing everywhere and the church of the Church, which has been sent forth to all peoples and to the shouldbe a signthatis understoodbyall groups. It startswiththe veryendsof theearth. Withoutthe missionadgentes, theChurch's learning of the language and with certain attention to some important events. In a country like the United States, the diffi­ culty is how to respect the particular cultural elements of the different groups as well as how to help them become integrated Without its missionary into the national culture. The success of the Youth World Day is dimension, the church is linked to a certain inculturation with the language and culture of deprived of its essential young people. Contemplation. Missionary activityis nourishedby prayer; in meaning and activity. fact, this is one of the dimensions of mission. Contemplation, and indeed monastic life, is essential in the territories of mission and is encouraged by the magisterium (see RM, no. 69). In certain very missionary dimension would be deprived of its essential religious contexts, especially in Asia, the validity of meaning and of theveryactivity thatexemplifies it" (RM, no. 34). is judged by the practice of prayer and contemplation by its This appeal of the pope is an echo of the great command­ members. John Paul II recognizes this in his encyclical (see RM, ment: "Allauthorityin heavenandonearthhasbeengivento me. no. 91). Contact with the spiritual experience of the members of Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations ... and know that other religions can revive the practice of prayer in Christians I am with you always, yes, to the end of time" (Matt. 28:18-20; themselves. It is whatI experienced in mymissionarylife in Laos. RM, no. 22). The Lord left us a double commandment: that of The need for contemplation comes from the fact that Christ, charity (John 15:17) and that of mission. Each complements the through his Spirit, remains the principal agent of mission. In other, because mission has its origin in Trinitarian love (AG, nos. order to obtain the fruits proper to missionary activity, it is 1-4) and extends divine love to all people (AG, no. 13). necessary to remain in harmony with the Lord and be united to him. In this way the true missionary is a (see RM, no. 90). Everyone for Mission The church is dynamic and fruitful in proportion to the holiness of its members (see RM, no. 87). Prayer and charity embrace the Mission concerns everyone. It does not pertain to only a few vast range of missionary activities, making them authentic and people. All Christians are invested with this duty: "Every mem­ fruitful. ber of the faithful is called to holiness and to mission" (RM, no. 90). The Lord grants a variety of charisms so that missionary Mission: Model of Every Ecclesial Activity activity may be carried on in its different forms. Noone is called to do everything, but together we can do what is needed. The mission adgentes should be the model of all church activity Each can do it in a direct way in his or her own environment, (see RM, no. 34). The pastoral care of practicing Christians, as witnessing to the Good News and working for the evangelical well as thenewevangelizationof those who havebecomedistant transformation of social structures at the local, national, and from the church, should be stimulated by the radicality and international levels (see RM, no. 82, EA, no. 74). The special role fervor proper to missionary activity. Pastoral care and new of the laityin the socialand politicalspheres mustbe highlighted. evangelization should be concretized by giving priority to what Social transformation in Africa and elsewhere is a must. characterizes missionary activities such as presence, proclama­ One can always do it through cooperation, such as support­ tion, dialogue, and human promotion, all springing from charity ing missionary work through prayer and material aid, and and from a relationship with God in prayer. especially through a Christian quality of life: "Through holiness All pastoralactivities (pastoralcareandnewevangelization) of life every Christian can become a fruitful part of the church's should not forget the missionary commitments with non-Chris­ mission" (RM, no. 77). tian groups at home as well as abroad. Such missionary commit­ One can also collaborate in a total dedication of self to the ments are not something extraordinary, a giving of surplus or mission. The Lord still needs women and men who are available leftovers after having served the Christian communities. They full-time for continuing the mission in the world. Therefore it is are the responsibility of each particular church and of each necessary to have people who are willing to consecrate their life Christian community like a or a Catholic group or move­ to themission(see RM, nos. 79-80). It is a marvelousvocationthat ment. fulfills the person called and that gives hope and confidence to In his missionary encyclical John Paul II underlines this many people who are awaiting the civilization of love and priority: "I wish to invite the Church to renew her missionary universal brotherhood. Today it is possible to give a period of

January 2001 5 one'slife for the mission, which can become a useful contribution The challenges of mission in the future are numerous, butthe to the mission, as well as a personal human and Christian signs of hope are also plentiful. The objectives of mission are enrichment. clearer: to introduce the mystery of Christ and promote his kingdom,whichis the church,butwhichalso extendsbeyondthe Conclusion confines of the church. In the world there is a growing interest in evangelical values (justice, peace, fraternity, solidarity) and in We are living in a world that is becoming ever more united and the workings of the church itself. Emerging generations are globalized, where people want nevertheless to preserve their attracted by the person of Christ and are attentive to his message cultural identities. It is a world where postmodern culture is less when it is presented in ways appropriate to their sensitivities. sure of itself and where pluralism facilitates religious choice and Christians feel themselves to be the church and could be relativism, but also one where the power of theocratic political more involved in missionary efforts. In most countries there are systems, such as , grows alongside those that are more and local churches that, eventhough in the minority, can give witness more secularized. in a more inculturated way. Modern means of communication In such a context mission is possible and urgent and must can reach even persons and peoples who are turned in on involve all Christians. To fulfill it, each particular church must themselves in an isolation that is often self-imposed. Forms of respond to these challenges: missionary commitment are more diversified and more easily realized. • harmonize the courage of proclamation and the path of dia­ Missionaries come from the different churches and go in all logue; directions. But above all there is the assurance that the Spirit • be committed to mission at home and universally; accompanies his church and remains the principal agent of • promote social justice and reconciliation between peoples; mission. It is he who opens the hearts of those receiving, just as • work toward inculturation and preserve a universal spirit; he opens the hearts of Christians to the needs of humanity and of • promote vocations of special consecration and the commit­ the mission. It is he who calls the workers and suggests the ways ment of laity, especially in social and political life; and of mission to them. It is he who guides the mission. We can be • intensify ecclesial communion and respect the different confident and full of hope, as long as we are in tune with him. charisms with their own identity. And it is the Spirit that we call upon for the church in America and for the people of this great country, as well as for the whole of humanity.

Response to Marcello Zago, O.M.I. Gerald H. Anderson

eaders of Archbishop Zago's address at Mission Con­ Citing Redemptoris missio(RM) and the postsynodical exhor­ Rgress 2000 will admire and appreciate his analysis of tation Ecclesia in America (EA),Archbishop Zago reminds Ameri­ Roman Catholic mission in the American context. His observa­ can Catholics of the obligation, both at home and abroad, "to tions about the Protestant missionary movement are perceptive. preach the Gospel and to establish new churches among peoples His description of the experience in mission of the Catholic or communities where they do not yet exist, for this is the first Church in the United States is informed and-shall I say­ task of the Church, which has been sent forth to all peoples and tactful. to the very ends of the earth" (RM, no. 34). There is a double But he does nothesitate to speakof the tendencyof American emphasis here: Mission "cannot be restricted to revitalizing the Catholics to "retreat into themselves," and he struggles to under­ faith of regular believers, but must strive as well to proclaim stand why there has been such a low missionary impact of the Christ where he is not known," and American Catholics "are American Catholic Church, both at home and abroad. "The called to extend their missionary efforts beyond the bounds of reasons are ambiguous," he says. Perhaps American Catholics the continent" (EA, no. 74). are "more cautious," or they have "a certain fear or inferiority "Proclamation [of Christ] is the first duty of the church," he complex," or there has been "a concentration on the needs of its says. "It is the greatest gift that we can give." This fundamental owncommunity." Obviously aware of the decline in the number affirmation of missiology is expanded by Zago when he states, ofAmericanCatholicmissionersservingoutsideNorthAmerica,' "Evangelization is a process, intended not only to change the he declares, "The time has now come for the Catholic Church [in personbut to influence the culture itself, its values and patterns." the United States] to be morecommitted to the missionadgentes." Archbishop Zago is an expert in the field of interfaith dia­ logue, with long missionary experience in Laos and the study of Buddhism. He proposes that dialogue with non-Christians "has Gerald H. Anderson is the former director of the Overseas Ministries Study as its aim the task of growing together toward the kingdom of Center and former editor of the INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN OF MISSIONARY God, which is its goal. It ... is a traveling together toward the final RESEARCH. OneoftheProtestants invitedtoattendMissionCongress 2000,he end." While he does not clarify the relation of dialogue to was invited by the congress planners to give a formal response to Archbishop , he maintains that dialogue "does not exclude proc­ Zago'skeynote address. lamationbutmakes it understandable and moreeasilyaccepted."

6 INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN OF MISSIONARY RESEARCH