Trudności w dialogu duchownych i świeckich w Kościele

Abstract

A proper approach to the cooperation between clergy and lay people facilitates the implementation of difficult apostolic and pastoral tasks in the contemporary Church. Therefore such cooperation must be based on dialogue principles in mutual relationships between the clergy and the laity as this is the most mature communicative category and the most complete form of interpersonal contacts. However, the dialogue between clergy and lay people within the Church may encounter numerous difficulties. Suffice it to mention clergymen’s problems with self-restraint (demonstrated among others by their willingness to deal with all the issues in parish life); the dramatically passive attitude of many lay people who regard the parish as an institution designed to meet their spiritual needs only; and the distrustful and mysterious character of the Church. With this in mind, worthy of consideration is also the difficult dialogue between clergy people and women, which is manifested by lack of respect and maturity as well as seeking opportunities to demonstrate superiority. The difficulties affecting the dialogue between clergy and lay people, frequently referred to as a crisis, may threaten the Church, but may also provide an opportunity for purification, deep reflection, and - first and foremost - conversion.