Michael Hill - Editor

You shall receive power. . .

This message will resound in the memories of returning pilgrims from World Youth Day 2008. The theme presented to them by Pope Benedict was that the Holy Spirit is alive within their hearts, awaiting the occasion to burst forth. Religion, suggests one author, is not simply to be believed, but is to be danced!

The other call was more disturbing. My second friend had been watching the gathering of (largely Australian) bishops and was struck and angered by an absence – no Bishop Geoffrey Robinson. This man, who put his whole status as a churchman on the line by challenging hierarchy and church on the burning issues of sex abuse and misuse of authority, has been ignored and snubbed.

To be fair, Pope Benedict many times issued public apologies to victims and voiced his sadness on the tragic cases of sexual abuse by clergy. But is that enough when the hierarchy itself fails to seek out causes, does nothing to look into the vexed question of enforced celibacy and the even more delicate issue – why the structures of authority misfunctioned so grievously?

So, what permanent value does an experience like World Youth Day have? The interview with Hans Küng (pp 7-9) reflects the journey of another prophetic voice in the church. Like Geoffrey Robinson, he dared to voice critical concerns. Küng is somewhat dismissive of grand occasions like WYD. He questions the value of such gatherings when the very heart of the church – the ordinary parish – is withering away.

Küng’s challenge brings us back to Colin McLeod’s question. What now? If the pilgrims return and find no opportunity for them to celebrate their rekindled faith in their home parishes, then most of the fruit will be left to decay. Or, to change the metaphor, the power rocket will fizzle out like a damp squib. It is a challenge to bishops, priests and people alike.

Meanwhile the Holy Father will go back to the Vatican well pleased with the wonderful reception he was given in Sydney. He ‘came, saw and conquered’ – like a famous Roman predecessor. Perhaps the fruit for him will be – as his old friend Hans Küng surmised – “that (now) he will finally do something really courageous.” Amen to that.

M.H.

Religion, suggests one author, is not simply to be believed, but is to be danced!

The returning Kiwis, from bishops to students, were exhilarated by the total experience as well as exhausted by the full-on intensity of their time in Sydney. We publish two accounts, from a Seventh Former and from a teacher and leader (pp16-19), and both capture the uniqueness of the atmosphere. It was a week they will never forget. And it leaves us with a burning question implied by Colin McLeod in his mature and challenging account: what now?

During the week I received two phone calls from readers who had been watching the wonderful TV coverage. For one, it was reminiscent of the early, heady days of charismatic renewal in the ’70s. The packed Cathedral gatherings and summer conferences gave many participants a tangible sense that the Spirit was truly moving. But as my friend agreed, something more had to happen for renewal to impact on the church, let alone on society. There had to be a profound change encompassing body, mind and spirit.