Pope Calls Laity to Responsibility in the Church

Says a Change of Mentality Is Needed

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 24, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the laity should be seen as truly "co-responsible" for the Church, and not just "collaborators" with the clergy.
   The Pope said this in an Aug. 10 message released Thursday by the Vatican. It is addressed to the 6th Assembly of the International Catholic Action Forum. The five-day assembly is under way through Sunday in Romania.
  "Co-responsibility requires a change in mentality, particularly with regard to the role of the laity in the Church," the Holy Father said.
Laity should be considered "persons truly 'co-responsible' for the being and activity of the Church," he stated.
   Hence, he called for a committed laity who are united, each making his own "specific contribution to the Church’s mission, in accordance with the ministries and tasks each one has in the life of the Church, and always in cordial communion with the bishops."

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