Speaking at the Catholic University of Washington, the archbishop of Manila stresses the importance of human interaction, "the key to combating the ills that plague the modern world." On the mainland Christians "are still a minority, perceived as alien to Asian cultures. In addition to words, contact and encounter with others is needed".

Washington (AsiaNews) - The evangelization of Asia may genuinely be achieved through "human interaction in battling social evils hounding the modern world. It is part of the mission of the Church in Asia to show the richness of the Gospel in its universally valid truths, values, open to all human beings. But this should happen in human interactions, for in Asia, part of the culture is the person", said Card. Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, during a conference at the Catholic University of Washington.

Communicating the saving proclamation of Christ, he explained, "is a task that also requires dialogue. It is evangelization, that big word, happening through dialogue, but dialogue happens through human interaction, making the other person feel that he or she matters, that he or she in his or her culture matters ".

In fact he pointed out, "even up to now, in some parts, Christianity is perceived as alien to Asian cultures".  But the same continent "suffers from many social ills. Poverty, forced migration, sex tourism and trafficking in human beings. There is a huge need to get involved with each other and become agents of reconciliation".

This recipe - evangelization through encounter - Card. Tagle saw firsthand in evangelization by Pope Francis on his travels in Sri Lanka and the Philippines. "He was not just a teacher. He was a listener," Tagle said of the Pope, adding that it is only through actual encounters with people that one may achieve solidarity with those who are poor and suffering.

 

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