FROM BEYOND THE ATLANTIC

The USA Bishops’ statement: A Vision of Catholic Evangelization

In 1992 the bishops of the United States published “Go and Make Disciples: a National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelisation in the United States.”

It begins by quoting Luke 12:49 – “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing”, and adds: “Jesus set the world on fire, and that blaze goes on even today….. We present to you, our Catholic sisters and brothers, this plan and strategy of evangelisation because the fire of Jesus burns even today.”

The American National Plan has three aims:

1. To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.
2. To invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ, so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith.
3. To foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.

CASE Team Member, Fr Philip Knights, co-author of an acclaimed report to the Bishops of England and Wales on evangelisation, says:

“While our context is not identical to the American one, nonetheless a parallel statement could find wide acceptance in England and Wales. Part of the newness of New Evangelisation is to promote an enthusiasm for the faith amongst believers which communicates itself to the world and people in the world.”

For more on this report please see our Resources Section, Research.