Sługa Boży John Henry Newman o wiernych świeckich

Abstract

The author of the paper shows the teaching of the role of laymen in the Church, which J. H. Newman, Servant of God, (1801-1890) included in his many writings, especially in the famous article "On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine" Theses of this convert from Anglicanism referring to the role of the laity came from his integral vision of the Church, full of respect for the hierarchy and clergy, but at the same time, knowledgeable of the meaning of the lay faithful. A concrete expression of his engagement in the promotion of the laity was an attempt to create a Catholic University in Dublin, a short episode of editing the Rambler and care for the formation of lay people undertaken by the Oratorian Congregation. An analysis of these initiatives shows that Newman can be seen as a pioneer of the Council teaching about the lay faithful, who – embodied through baptism in Christ, established the God's people, and made in a way the participants of priestly, prophetic and royal office of Christ – are on their part Christian missionaries in the Church and the world. Newman was presented here as a special spokesman for the participation of the faithful in the prophetic function of Christ, with a special recognition of sensus fidelium.