Zagrożenia i szanse rozwoju stowarzyszeń i ruchów religijnych w Kościele

Abstract

The paper takes up a practical problem of the verification of new forms in which the laity can associate in the Church: associations, groups, fellowships and religious movements. The author empahsizes their ecclesial character as an essential condition of Christian identity.The Church is the source and apex of an authentic fellowship of faith, cult and brotherly love. In view of the ecclesial character one can talk about threats and chances for the Church on the part of religious associations and movements. As far as threats are concerned one may distinguish four groups: 1) the danger of isolation and sectarianism, 2) contestation of the institution and authority of the office in the Church, 3) selectivism in the sphere of the doctrine, morality and cult, 4) the danger of the socalled horizontal Christianity. The associations and ecclesial movements are at the same time a chance in the renewal of pastoral care which today tends into three directions: 1) transformation of the parish into a fellowship of fellowships, 2) subjetivization of the laity in the practical activity of the Church, 3) towards the taking up of the work of new evangelization, that is repeat evangelization of the previously religious milieus and the so-called marginal Christians. It seems that in all those spheres of renewal the Church needs an authentic testimony of Christian life in fellowships. They are still a chance to be taken advantage of in the renewal of pastoral care but they require at the same time a critical evaluation and a positive support from the Church.