SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL

Reforms within the

BACKGROUND GUIDE Letter from the Dais

Dear Delegates, Welcome to SciMUN XIV! My name is Mir Alam and I will be your chair for this conference. I am currently a senior at Bronx Science and this is my third year doing Model UN. I joined in my sophomore year, as I was intrigued by the discussions which take place, and how people come together to tackle real world conficts. Participating in Model UN has helped me signifcantly in learning about current international afairs. Alongside gaining invaluable knowledge, I got to expand my public speaking skills, and got to meet a lot of interesting people. Aside from MUN, I love sports and enjoy Krish Shah watching movies. While this year's conference cannot be done in person, we will assure Secretary-General that you all will not miss out on anything and have a great conference in a virtual setting. As a member of the Second Vatican Council, you will decide how to efciently integrate Byul Sak the Catholic Church into the modern world, while attempting to resolve the conficts arising from the Church. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Director-General [email protected]. Sincerely, Omar Darwish Mir Alam ([email protected]) USG of Administration Arul Prakasha ([email protected]) Second Vatican Council Vincent Harwood Deputy-USG of Administration

Benjamin Raab USG of General Assemblies and Specialized Committees

Karen Phua Deputy-USG of General Assemblies and Specialized Committees

Lars Zeana-Schliep USG of Crisis Committees

Rehan Yazdani Deputy-USG of Crisis Committees

Diane D. Steiker Faculty Advisor

75 West 205th Street Bronx, NY 10468 [email protected] www.scimun.com SciMUNC XIV | Page 1

Overview

Regardless of the positives and negatives, the not denounce the church prior to the council installment of the Second Vatican Council held but instead building onto the church prior to a tremendous impact on society, which can still the council. However, not everyone has the be felt today. At the time, having a council did same notion; much of this can be attributed to not feel necessary, so when a nonsectarian the lack of knowledge young Catholics have council was announced in 1959, it was about it, and the diferent interpretations that certainly a shocking moment. From October came from the Council. Tis is a dispute that is 11, 1962 to December 8th, 1965, a profusion present between the Vatican itself and American of bishops, observers, laymen, and laywomen Nuns. Critics claim that many have been using would be called in throughout four diferent the Second Vatican to justify actions that sessions. Te council would shape sixteen contradicted Catholic beliefs. We hope that the documents throughout its tenure, such as the many diferent interpretations of the actions of “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church,” the Second Vatican will lead to discourse “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,” and amongst the delegates about what the Church “Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the could have done to prevent interpretations from World of Today.” Te frst of such documents getting out of hand. attests to the Scripture all while being open- minded when studying the Bible. Te second, “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,” encouraged the greater participation of laity during Mass and allowed major changes in language to be used during Mass. Finally, the last document realizes how society is changing in a very big way and attempts to tie church values with the changing contemporary world.

Te impacts of the documents produced largely infuenced the foundation of churches in today’s society. What made the Second Vatican so unique is that it promoted a more contemporary type of belief. John W. O’Malley of Georgetown University believed the overlying theme of the documents was reconciliation. Te council promoted relationships between Christians of diferent denominations. Tey encouraged Christians to establish relationships with non-Christians and encouraged languages other than Latin to be used during Mass. However, while many see it as a positive infuence to the modern day church, many also believe it promotes ideas that contradict church values. Benedict wanted people to believe that the Second Vatican did Page 2 | Second Vatican Council

Topics of Debate

Problems Discussed in Te Council those under faith, to wanting a more just social order. Overall, this updating was not, as John Also known as a revolution in the Church, the XXIII stated, a changing of beliefs, but the Vatican II introduced many changes at the updating of how beliefs are presented. time, from its teaching and practices. Pope John XXIII's intention for the council suggests that Prior to the creation of the Second Vatican he had double motives. First, the Council was Council, it is important to take note of all the to be pastoral. Just as a shepherd pastors his key events that led up to the creation of the land and sheep, John XXIII, as the pope and council. To keep it simple, there are 4 pastor of the Roman Catholic Church, sought signifcant events that led up to that moment. to build the faith of those within the Church. Starting with October 28th, 1958, Angelo Tis Council was to do more than simply look Roncalli was elected as the Pope John XXIII. inward to the faith of the Church’s members; it On January 25th, 1959, Pope John described was to be ecumenical as well. Today, when we his plans to initiate the council. On June 18th, hear the word “ecumenical,” we usually think of 1959 the Pope began seeking advice from the dialogue among various faith traditions participating nations in order to create an with one another. Rather, this means that the agenda. On June 5th, 1960 the Pope Council was representative of several diferent announced various commissions that would Christian churches. In a broad sense, this prepare certain documents. dialogue tends to focus on the similarities and divergences on how various faith traditions Background on Angelo Roncalli understand and practice the faith. “To be Angelo Roncalli was born in 1881, as the son of ecumenical, according to the Greek root of the an Italian farmer. He took on many professions, word, means to take care of and order one’s such as professor, part-time historian, own household.” Te Second Vatican Council, biographer, and diplomat. He was described as as an ecumenical event, was an ordering of the a “good-natured conformist” for his frst 54 household in the presence of representative years at church. His frst big job came in Christians from other faith traditions. However, France, where he was appointed papal nuncio. they could listen but could not formally take When he was elected pope, it was surprising part in the proceedings. While historically the because few had believed he would ever actually major councils of the fourth through sixth become the pope. It was even more surprising centuries dealt with right or correct faith (for when he took steps diferent from the instance, how we understand Christ Jesus as conservative forms of the church in order to both fully divine and fully human comes from modernize the church. By meeting with the early councils), the Second Vatican Council political and religious leaders around the world, was pastoral. Again, pastoral because its frst he quickly became a beloved fgure for concern was to discuss how to build and Catholics everywhere. strengthen faith as it is lived and practiced by all of the faithful. Roncalli’s biggest moment was the introduction of the Second Vatican. Te pope believed that Secondly, the purpose of this meeting was to the divided Christian groups needed reform the Church to modern times. Tis reconciliation. For this reason, he invited all included things from the daily activities of sects of Christians, Eastern Orthodox, SciMUNC XIV | Page 3

Anglican, and Protestant to attend meetings. Te Purpose of the Meeting Ultimately, he believed the Roman Catholic church needed to be brought up-todate, and As said, the purpose of this meeting was to summoned its leaders to the Second further strengthen those under the Christian Ecumenical Council, or Vatican II, with the faith, while also listening to people of other aim of modernizing it and fostering unity. religions. Also intended to modernize the way their religion is viewed, in an efort to keep up Franco-Prussian War and thrive in this modern world.

It may be difcult to see why the Franco- Te problem facing us, the Pope pointed out, is Prussian War holds any value within the Second the same today as it has ever been: “Men stand Vatican. However, this war is one of the key either with the Church or against Her; and factors into the creation of the new council. rejection results in bitterness, confusion, and Te Franco-Prussian War essentially brought war. Councils testify to the union of Christ and the closure of the First Vatican, paving way for His Church and promulgate a universal truth a new council. Te work of the frst Vatican to guide individuals in their domestic and social remained mostly unfnished. For this reason, lives.” What can we do in this council to refute some people believe that the Second Vatican this statement, to show that the Church can was made to continue the work of the First. improve lives and conficts, not worsen it.

Social Aspects of the Council

Tis subsection will describe the reactions of the people to the creation of the Second Vatican. Delegates will debate the positive and negative outcomes during the time of the creation of the Council and then transition into impacts that it has today. We hope our background guide will provide information on the current social aspects of the council that can be used during debate. One topic of discussion we hope to have regarding the usage of Latin. Since other languages were promoted, to what degree should the Scriptures have been translated to multiple languages?

Another topic of discussion we hope to have is the relationship that the Catholics will have with people of other denominations of Christianity as well as people of other religions. Te Second Vatican promoted relationships with people from diferent backgrounds. How will and how do Christians address Jewish or Muslim people? What about atheists? Page 4 | Second Vatican Council

Possible Solutions

Te documents made in this Council may Church urges all men to seek dialogue in love guide the delegates to create their own with other men of the world.” directives and updates. Te following section will talk about some of the documents made, Using these as a template for our solutions, we and how they helped both the Church and the can see that Christian teaching within the people. Te possible solutions to this council Church was controversial and needed change. should be guided by the doctrines created during the meetings. For example, the following documents were created to address conficts which had risen:

Constitution: Sacrosanctum Concilium

One of the greatest aims of this document was the participation of the laity (ordinary religious observers who are not religious ofce holders) in the Mass. For the frst time, the Mass could be said in the vernacular, which is the local language of the country or place where Mass is celebrated. Tis meant that the laity could fully participate and understand what was happening. Tis is an example of integrating new things into the Church for the purpose of “modernizing.”

Constitution: Gaudium et Spes

Te authors explain that they're writing to address the concerns of the real world—not just theological concerns. Tey say that they want to help make the world a better place and improve it for mankind through the power of the Church as they bring Christ to more people. Tis was one of the many ways the Vatican II council tacked on modern problems, while keeping faith and evolving in their teachings.

Declaration: Nostra Aetate

Te Nostra Aetate focuses on interaction with people of Non-Christian religions. In summary, this doctrine stated “Te Church reproves notions that discriminate against men for religious, race, color, or condition of life. Te SciMUNC XIV | Page 5

Questions to Consider

1. On the topic of the modern world, should the Church maintain a more guarded attitude towards the proceedings that occur in the secular world, or should it be engaged in extensive dialogue and engagement?

2. Is the freedom of the press a phenomenon that the Church should look upon favorably? If not, what changes can be implemented?

3. How can the Church engage and ofer itself in the modern world without sacrifcing a theological grounding in its eforts?

4. How can the Church go about such an engagement in a manner that is cross- cultural rather than more heavily grounded in Greco-Latin culture?

5. Will the Council form any sort of body to implement anything synthesized? If so, will the body be centralized, or will it be specifc to region, diocese, or language? Page 6 | Second Vatican Council

Positions

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini best known for his infuence at the Second Vatican Council and for reviving theological Cardinal Montini was born in September 1897, interest in the Holy Spirit for the life of who served in the Holy See’s Secretariat of State individuals and of the church. from 1922 to 1954. In 1954 he was named Archbishop of Milan, the largest Italian diocese. Henri de Lubac Montini later became the Secretary of the Italian Bishops' Conference. John XXIII Henri-Marie Joseph Sonier de Lubac SJ, known elevated him to the in as Henri de Lubac, was a French Jesuit priest 1958, and after the death of John XXIII, who became a cardinal of the Catholic Church Montini was elected to the papacy, and took and is considered one of the most infuential the name Paul VI. theologians of the 20th century. His writings and doctrinal research played a key role in Bishop Albino Luciani () shaping the Second Vatican Council. Born October 1912, Luciani was head of the Cardinal Walter Kasper Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City from 26 August 1978 to his death 33 days Born March 1933, Walter Kasper is a German later. He was the frst pope to have been born in Roman Catholic Cardinal and theologian. the 20th century. His reign is among the From 1957 to 1958 he was a parochial vicar in shortest in papal history, resulting in the most Stuttgart. He returned to his studies and earned recent year of three and the frst to occur a doctorate in dogmatic theology from the since 1605. University of Tübingen. He was a faculty member at Tübingen from 1958 to 1961 and Bishop Karol Wojtyła worked for three years as an assistant to Leo Schefczyk and Hans Küng, who was banned Born on May 18, 1920 in Poland, Karol from teaching by Vatican authorities because of Wojtyla. After fnishing his studies at the his views on contraception and papal seminary in Krak.w, Wojtyła was ordained as a infallibility. priest on All Saints' Day, 1 November 1946 by the Archbishop of Krak.w, Cardinal Sapieha. Cardinal Augustin Bea He was seen as conservative by approach but supported ideologies to strengthen relations Born 28 May 1881, Augustin Bea was a with difering religions. German Jesuit priest and scholar at the Pontifcal Gregorian University specializing in Father Joseph Ratzinger biblical studies and biblical archeology. He also served as the personal confessor of Pope Pius At the time, the future Pope Benedict was XII. In 1959, Pope John XXIII made him a counted as one of the most infuential cardinal of the Catholic Church as he served as “progressives.” Coming together from various the frst president of the Secretariat for theological starting points, these thinkers Promoting Christian Unity from 1960. Bea was forged an informal coalition dedicated to Pope a leading biblical scholar and ecumenist, who John XXIII’s call for change in the church’s greatly infuenced Christian-Jewish relations approach to the larger world. during the Second Vatican Council in Nostra Yves Congar aetate. Yves Marie-Joseph Congar OP was a French Dominican friar, priest, and theologian. He is SciMUNC XIV | Page 7

Remi J De Roo views on church-state relations but was vindicated with the adoption of the declaration. Bishop De Roo must be one of, if not the only English-speaking Council Father still pastorally Father Bernard Haring active. Ordained a priest on June 8, 1950, and consecrated a bishop on December 14, 1962, Te German Redemptorist taught how freedom he is the Bishop of Victoria. As bishop, he was of conscience was the necessary precondition notable for his advocacy of social justice, and for any meaningful morality. He was part of the the mismanagement of diocesan fnances. commission which wrote “Gaudium et Spes,” the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Abbot BC (Christopher) Butler OSB Modern World from Vatican II. Basil Christopher Butler OSB (Born 7 May Father Jeremiah Sullivan 1902) as a convert from the Church of England to the Roman Catholic Church. In 1946, he Jeremiah Tomas Sullivan was born in Butte, was elected as the Abbot by the Benedictine Montana, on July 16, 1937, the son of community of Downside Abbey. He remained Jeremiah and Sadie Sullivan. He attended there for twenty years until his consecration in Immaculate Conception Catholic Grade 1966 as Titular Bishop of Nova Barbara and School, Boys Central Catholic High School, Auxiliary Bishop to Cardinal John Carmel and Carroll College. Jeremiah T. Sullivan was Heenan in the Archdiocese of Westminster. ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Helena in Rome on December 19, 1962. Cardinal Franz König Servant of God Frank Duf König was born in Warth near Rabenstein, Lower Austria, as the oldest of the nine children Francis Michael Duf, L.O.M. Frank Duf is of Franz and Maria K.nig. Franz K.nig was an known especially for bringing attention to the Austrian Cardinal of the Catholic Church. He role of the laity during the Second Vatican started serving as archbishop of Vienna from Council of the Roman Catholic Church as well 1956. He was mainly concerned with questions as for founding the Legion of Mary in his of ecumenism, however also serving as native city of Dublin, Ireland. president of the Vatican Secretariat for Non- Blessed Bishop Álvaro del Portillo, Council Believers. Furthermore, he was an advocate of Father reform at the Second Vatican Council, serving on its preparatory commissions and greatly Álvaro del Portillo is a Spanish engineer and contributing to its declaration on non- Roman Catholic bishop. On May 2, 1959, he Christian religions. was named Consultor of the congregation of the Council. Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Jesuit Father John Courtney Murray Sheen, Council Father In 1958, Luciani was An American Jesuit theologian, he was one of appointed Bishop of Vittorio Veneto by Pope the chief architects of the “Dignitatis John XXIII. He received his episcopal Humanae.” Te council essentially adopted an consecration later that month from Pope John ofcial church teaching the priest's theology of XXIII himself, with Bishops Bortignon and church-state separation and of religious Gioacchino Muccin serving as the co- freedom as a human right that the state is consecrators. required to protect. He had been silenced by his Jesuit superiors in Rome in the 1950s for his Page 8 | Second Vatican Council

Servant of God Cardinal Terence Cooke Cooke was ordained a priest by Archbishop Francis Spellman in 1945. Cooke then served as chaplain for St. Agatha's Home for Children in Nanuet until 1947, when he moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue graduate studies at Te Catholic University of America. He obtained a Master of Social Work degree in 1949. Cardinal Josef Frings Frings, who had been a ferce and outspoken opponent of Hitler and Nazism during World War II, was, after the war, appointed head of the German Bishops' conference, and appointed a Cardinal. Against the declared neutrality of the clergy, as demanded by Rome, he joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen Hunthausen, born on August 21, 1921, in Anaconda, Montana was ordained a priest by Bishop Joseph Gilmore in June 1946. On July 8, 1962, Hunthausen was appointed the sixth Bishop of Helena by Pope John XXIII. He was one of the few Americans who attended the Second Vatican Council. SciMUNC XIV | Page 9

References

“Historical Background of Vatican II.” Creighton University, www.creighton.edu/vaticanii historicalbackgroundofvaticanii/. Lawton, Kim. “Legacy of Vatican II at Heart of Dispute between Vatican, U.S. Nuns.” Te Washington Post, WP Company, 6 Aug. 2012, www.washingtonpost.com/national/onfaith legacy-of-vatican-ii-at-heart-of-dispute-between-vatican-us-nuns/2012/08/06/3b783d18 e001-11e1-8d48-2b1243f34c85_story.html. Seaman, Kristopher W. “Why Did the Second Vatican Council Occur?” Pastoral Liturgy, 2013, pastoralliturgy.org. Sproul, R.C. “Second Vatican Council.” Encyclop.dia Britannica, Encyclop.dia Britannica, Inc., 24 Oct. 2012, www.britannica.com/event/Second-Vatican-Council. Teicher, Jordan G. “Why Is Vatican II So Important?” NPR, NPR, 10 Oct. 2012, www.npr.org 2012/10/10/162573716/why-is-vatican-ii-so-important.