2.4 respecting and fostering the various charisma

The local church must foster the identity of the various charisma. It is not made up exclusively of one of the three states but they complement one another in it. A diocese is not made up of diocesan clergy alone, but of the whole people of God which must have different ways to express itself if it is to live and grow.

Consecrated life is one of the essential components in the life and mission of the Church. Since consecrated life has different forms, it is fitting that the local church should cultivate at least some of these forms including contemplative life and that which is more specifically directed to the mission to non-Christians. Respect for the charisma will facilitate a new way for being missionary.

The Institutes of consecrated life in their different forms have a special contribution to make to evangelization and in particular to the mission ad gentes (VC 76-78). "While remaining ever faithful to their charisma, they must know that they have a special share in the Church's missionary activity in virtue of their interior consecration made to God" (VC 77). "The mission strengthens the consecrated life, gives it new enthusiasm and new motivation and elicits faithfulness" VC 78).

The various Institutes of consecrated life must be respected and fostered in all aspects of their charisma: spirituality, the apostolate and community life. International Institutes are faced with the great challenge of transmitting the charisma of their foundation so that it is lived with creative fidelity and inculturated. They must have the support of the pastors, who have the responsibility of promoting all the states of the People of God (cf. VC 48-50).