HIS-Press-Service, 1982 (7. évfolyam, 22-24. szám)
1982-01-01 / 22. szám
HIS Press Service No. 22, January 1982 Page 13 the existing Church structure. The base groups, on the other hand, find it difficult to integrate themselves into the more open and peaceful life of the Church partially because in the past they were to a great extent forced to fend for themselves in religious matters and to utilize radical approaches, and have become accustomed to this state of affairs. What makes integration even more difficult for them is that the leaders of Hungary's Church have not been able to discover the proper way of "putting the new wine" of the base groups "into new wineskins." The approach and disciplinary measures taken by the Church's leaders up to now have proven completely unsuitable, as well as incapable of having the desired effect. Instead, they have fomented conflict and increased the distrust in the Church's leadership. The ineffectiveness of the measures taken adds credence to the conviction mentioned above that what is actually involved here is a difference of opinion in essential questions of pastoral care. Whether one approach or the other is correct will be proven neither by the juridical authority of the bishops nor by the theological studies recently ordered by Cardinal Lékai of the views which have been expressed either verbally or in written form by members of the base groups, but only by time itself. Leveling sanction against assistant priests who have formally violated Church discipline, or the brusque rejection of theological views which are formulated in a more daring manner than is normally the case, are far from sufficient to solve pressing matters of pastoral care which are already demanding attention in the present situation, and will do so to an even greater degree in the future. It goes without saying that even in the future Hungary's Church will not be able to get along without the traditional types of pastoral activity. It is questionable, however, whether future pastoral needs should be cared for exclusively in the traditional ways and approaches, or whether someday thought should not instead be given to including the "family Church" initiated by the base groups, as well as the faithful who are involved in this approach. In his talk with the "Kathpress Bishop Cherháti let it be known that he is searching for a solution to the problem in this area too: "Those of us who hold Church positions must face up to the critical questions of the young people who disagree with our approach and give them a satisfactory answer. However, we in turn must also have the right to critically question their stances. It is not mutual 'ex-communication,' but rather a restoration of communication that will serve to guarantee the unity of the Church. More than anything else, increased contact between the bishops and the base groups is necessary before fruitful cooperation can come about. There must be more frequent meetings, a direct exchange of thoughts, and the willingness to listen to one another. A distinction must be made between the way in which something is said
