Hindu Catholic Dialogue Commemorative Brochure 20150523

Author(s): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Publisher: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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ical boundaries that often correspond to a group of counties, or even an entire state. Within the diocese, local parishes are governed by pastors who are assisted by other priests, deacons and lay administrators. The primary function of the clergy, however, is spiritual. Clergy administer the sacraments, preach the word of God, provide spiritual counsel for individuals and families, serve as chaplains to institutions, and teach about the faith in a wide variety of educational institutions. The training of a Catholic priest typically begins with completing a four year university degree with substantial work in philosophy. The seminarian then proceeds into a professional degree program (the Master of Divinity) in a recognized Catholic institution in which both academic and spiritual formation are regulated in accordance with norms established by the Holy See and the national bishops' conference. The primary relationship between clergy and laity is one of spiritual service, as indicated above. In many settings, however, clergy and laity collaborate as professional colleagues ministering to the diverse needs of a world-wide Church.
H2. What role do religious leaders play in social issues? The roots of the separation of Church and State in the US and in Europe go back to a long history of conflict and debate between the authorities of the Catholic Church, especially the institution of the Papacy, and various kingdoms and empires. Basically, church leaders are to teach the moral norms of Catholic Christianity as clearly as possible in every era and cultural setting. Church leaders may work with the secular authorities to find ways to apply moral norms within the structures of autonomous public institutions and legal codes. The Catholic Church is concerned about basic human rights: freedom of religion, the right to life (which includes opposition to all abortion procedures, euthanasia, and the death penalty), immigration rights, labor rights including a just wage and job security, education rights (the freedom to educate one's children in accordance with one's own moral and religious principles), social justice, and environmental conservation.
H3. Who is permitted to interpret the meanings of sacred texts? Chapter three of Lumen gentium, a key document from the Second Vatican Council, teaches that the hierarchy of the Pope and the bishops around the world who are in communion with him has the authority to interpret Scripture. “Among the principal duties of bishops the preaching of the Gospel occupies an eminent place. For bishops are preachers of the faith, who lead new disciples to Christ, and they are authentic teachers, that is, teachers endowed with the authority of Christ, who preach to the people committed to them the faith they must believe and put into practice, and by the light of the Holy Spirit illustrate that faith. They bring forth from the treasury of Revelation new things and old, making it bear fruit and vigilantly warding off any errors that threaten their flock. Bishops, teaching in communion with
COMMEMORATIVE BROCHURE
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