Previous reflections | The 16 Documents of Vatican II | Resolution |
LUMEN GENTIUM , 1964 |
God's Church, God's spiritual family,
is a heavenly rather than an earthly organisation
When the Church is planted in any country or
culture,
it should do good not harm to that country or culture
The Church fosters and takes to itself,
insofar as they are good,
the ability, riches and customs in which the genius of each people expresses
itself.
Taking them to itself it purifies, strengthens, elevates and ennobles them
Within the Church there are special groups and places which
have their own traditions,
just like children in a human family have their own gifts and talents,
just like each country of the world has its own culture and customs
Presiding over and serving the whole Church
is the Pope as the successor of Peter
Jesus, please help the whole family get along
together.
Please protect the Church from individuals and groups
who want to bully or control others