1.6 On the theological level

Theological changes pervade all the Churches. The missionaries have been quicker to accept them and to deal with them, especially because of their international contacts and because of their experience of the changes which have taken place. Vatican Council II and the many socio-ecclesial changes have stirred up the standard acceptance of mission. New requirements are being discovered, such as dialogue, inculturation, development, but efforts to integrate them have not been fully successful. There is a change from a monolithic concept of mission to a crisis of understanding progressively reaching a theological integration of the various elements of mission. We may distinguish three different stages: the security of the preconciliar principles, the period of uncertainty and confusion, a progressively renewed synthesis. This third phase has not been reached by every group in the Church nor by all to the same degree.

Theological equilibrium has been fostered by the Magisterium and by ongoing formation. Among the various elements central to the progress through stages mentioned we may list: the concept of salvation and the need for the Church and for its Baptism, the change from adaptation to inculturation, from conflict to dialogue with the religions, the commitment to development and justice, spirituality...