2023-12-26 03:06:43
“We must work to overcome the preconceptions that paralyze us. » The Bishop of Créteil has just pronounced resolutely peaceful wishes on the occasion of Christmas and the approach of the New Year. Monsignor Dominique Blanchet advocates the greatest tolerance and openness to others.
If 2024 will be placed under the sign of the Olympic Games in the diocese, with numerous actions starting January 14 in Arcueil, the other challenge will be to enrich inter-religious dialogue. On November 11, following “the drama that has been unfolding in Israel and Gaza since October 7,” he signed a declaration with the rabbi of Créteil and the president of the gathering of Muslim associations of Val-de-Marne “to call for the peace “.
“I visit mosques, synagogues…”
This dialogue is fueled by his regular pastoral field visits: “I stay four days each time, sleep there, meet elected officials, visit local mosques and synagogues… But this inter-religious bond must always be nourished or sometimes re-engaged as in Vitry or Bonneuil. » In 2024, he will go to Créteil and Bonneuil in January, Charenton, Saint-Maurice, Vincennes and Saint-Mandé in March, Alfortville and Maisons-Alfort in April.
Also vice-president of the Conference of Bishops of France (CEF), several national projects worry him: the immigration law, the debate on the end of life and the inclusion of voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG) in the constitution .
Gay couples soon to be blessed?
Concerning the blessing of homosexual couples, which the Pope has just authorized, “I think there will be requests” in Val-de-Marne. “A support group already exists in Fontenay-sous-Bois. It takes care not to be a militant place but a place of speech. The Pope’s text is not in the permitted/forbidden. It will do a lot of good to many people who feel excluded from the Church. The goal is to find what is right for you. »
Finally, on the financial side, “30% of the collection of the Denier of worship is carried out during the last fifteen days of the year,” recalls the bishop. Everything is at stake at the moment for the budget of the Catholic Church of Val-de-Marne, which only lives on donations from the faithful. »
#Stay #turned #message #peace #Bishop #Créteil #Christmas