AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY

The collaboration of Institutes of Consecrated Life (ICL) and Societies of Apostolic Life (SAL) with Associations of lay faithful is an essential dimension of the Church today. In partnership with lay faithful and associations sharing their charism and mission, ICL/SAL can drive fruitful engagement across both particular churches and the universal Church to promote synodality and missionary discipleship. Through baptism, the lay faithful have equal dignity and responsibility in the growth of the Church with their specific mission being to imbue the temporal order with the spirit of the Gospel, especially with the increasing secularization of human societies. Thus, whether public or private, the associations of lay faithful play a vital role in the promotion of Christian values and must cooperate with ecclesiastical public juridic persons. Accordingly, this paper opines that Associations of lay faithful must adhere to fundamental principles, including the universal call to holiness, the profession and promotion of the Catholic faith, communion with the pope and bishops, alignment with the Church's apostolic mission, and commitment to transforming society according to Christian values. The paper invites ICL/SAL to plan the succession of their apostolic works by integrating lay faithful and their associations, including former members and ex-seminarians. This transition requires thorough preparation, clear statutes, and modernized management to counter an eroding historical memory, complex civil law requirements, and changing societal values.

Open Full Text (PDF)