Chapter VIII

International Co-operation and Relations with the Apostolic See

INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION

132 The Apostolic College performs ifs function in a closely co-operative way (cf. LG, 22-23; AG, 38; CD, 2, 4). Consequences of this solidarity which affect catechesis have been considered a number of times in this part of the Directory (for example, Chapter It: comparing pastoral goals among neighbouring confines; Chapter III: establishing higher institutes; Chapter IV: working out common aids; Chapter VII: doing scientific research).

International co-operation is also required in the ministry of the word for immigrants.

The task to be accomplished is twofold. On the one hand, the word of God must be brought to the immigrants. Because of the differences in language, culture and customs, this requires an exchange both of information and of persons between the churches of the countries from which the immigrants come and the churches of the countries which accept them. On the other hand, it is necessary that this ministry of the word make the Christians of the host countries aware of the pressing problems of the immigrants, and ready to welcome them out of brotherly love.

International co-operation is also required for the catechesis of tourists. If is clean that "tourism," as if is called, is spreading more and more among ail nations (cf. Directorium Generale pro ministerio pas torah quoad "turismum," passim).

International co-operation must show regard for the tasks and conditions of the local churches. Hence, those countries that have made greater advances in personnel, in economic goods, and in scientific research, should assist the other countries that have not progressed that far, but should not impose their own styles of thinking and acting, non their own methods.