We will again dedicate this week's Quotes and news to different speakers who addressed the Synod of Bishops.
Vietnam's painful experience
"The Church of Christ in Vietnam... has led a life full of crosses. Through the high and low points of its history, like the Jews at the time of their exile, the Vietnamese Catholics understood that only the Word of God remains and never deceives. This Word... has become a source of comfort and strength that gives a sense of security to all the members of the People of God and, at the same time, is the focal point that helps them to discover their future. Because of the painful experience lived by the Church of Christ in Vietnam, the Mystery of the Cross has become not only close to daily life, but also an essential element that reunites the People of God."
Bishop Joseph Vo Duc Minh, co-adjutor of Nha Trang, Vietnam.
War in Darfur
"Let us not forget the war in Darfur, which continues with no sign of improvement in the situation. We are convinced that the solution for a peaceful future can only be found in faith in God and in His Word. But what can we do when the distances are enormous, and the lack of security because of wars and banditry makes contact between priests and the faithful very difficult and dangerous?"
Bishop Antonio Menegazzo, apostolic administrator of El Obeid, Sudan.
Globalisation of hope
"All the three religions of the Book - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - are today in a squeeze between secularism and fundamentalism. Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are basic human rights. This implies that there must be room in society for fundamentalist expressions of faith, even when this leads to sectarianism and divisions. Terrorism in the name of God is an affront to all faiths as it is violence against God. The antidote to fundamentalism can only be a more genuine interpretation of Holy Scriptures. Globalisation of anxiety and despair calls for globalisation of salvation and hope. Religious leaders are called to a ministry of peace and reconciliation."
Fr Gunnar Stalsett, Lutheran bishop emeritus of Oslo, Norway.
Welcoming immigrants
"To those who receive immigrants at their destination, a positive welcoming attitude toward these brothers is recommended, toward these who come from other nations bringing 'the good news' with them in their bags, facilitating their introduction into the local community and the sharing of faith experiences and Christian life which they bring with them."
Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Joy of persecution
"According to the Gospel, persecution is considered as the most eloquent sign of faithfulness to the Word of God. The growth of the Church and her own path in evangelising people is the fruit of the persecution she was subjected to in all places and in all times. Jesus, in the Gospel, speaks very clearly about persecution. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit so that He may give the Church the grace and joy to make a true experience of persecution for her faithfulness to the Word of God."
Archbishop Ramzi Garmou of Tehran of the Chaldeans, and patriarchal administrator of Ahwaz, of the Chaldeans, Iran.