‘Diversity, complexity not betrayal of Christian faith’—Tagle

MANILA — Entertaining various views and opinions pertaining to faith is not a betrayal of dogmatic Catholic teachings, but an avenue to tackle complex situations that are oftentimes left unaddressed,Manila’s top prelate said. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle noted the importance of diversity and complexity in the life of the Church, as noted by Pope Francis in the recently concluded Synod on the Family held in Rome last October 5 to 19. In all the synods, there was freedom of expression. Where there is freedom of expression, you will, of course, expect different views, different opinions, and that is normal for the Church, [that] is healthy for the Church,” Tagle said in a recent press conference held at the Arzobispado de Manila. The Holy Father realizes that the world right now is becoming more and more complex. And if we want to address the complex situations we should be at home with diversity and complexity,” Tagle, who has participated in five different synods since he was ordained priest, added.The cardinal emphasized the beauty of the Christian tradition, noting that the teachings of the Church are never monochrome” or monotone” for they remain rich through the years. What may sound to be different opinions may be different facets of the same reality…Given the new situations what do we possess in the great Christian tradition that could help us respond to new situations?” Tagle said.According to him, the Pope himself encouraged the Synod Father at the beginning of the Synod to feel free to express the situations in your countries and your opinions and let the diversity come out.”According to Tagle, the Synod of Bishops was first instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1965, when the Second Vatican Council was coming to a close. It is a periodic gathering of representative bishops from different countries or different Episcopal conferences in Rome to discuss the pressing concerns confronting the Church. So this is not a betrayal of the Christian faith. In the end we are all motivated by one thingand love of God, love of the Church, and love of people who are wounded and in difficult situations,” he added.(Jennifer M. Orillaza)