The mid-year meeting of provincials held in Seoul this July 19-23 chose migration, the environment and the development of Colégio São José, Timor Leste as three apostolic projects for immediate Conference-wide cooperation. Three ‘internal’ or Jesuit governance projects were also chosen: continued comprehensive planning for a Jesuit formation that offers a heart for the poor and respect for cultures; the development of governance arrangements for Myanmar; and a decision to build a new fund to support our common activities.
Social Mapping Report
The meeting was greatly helped by the report of year-long social research project which ‘mapped’ the interests and activities of Jesuits and colleagues in Asia Pacific in the light of our mission. This report is available on request from JCAP. The provincials had studied the document, and Fr Dennis Kim and Ms Christina Kheng were on hand to present the results of the study in an afternoon seminar. At the previous major superiors’ meeting, provincials had already committed to make ‘Reconciliation with Creation’ a Conference project. It was helpful to know that the Social Ministries network is already planning strategies on environmental awareness to share with all communities and institutions in the Conference. Further, the next Social Ministries meeting in August will plan for a Conference wide network for pastoral and human response to migrant people in greatest need. Information on current activities across the Conference was gathered during the meeting.
International Theology Program
The provincials considered developments in international cooperation among the Jesuit theologates and in particular the internationalisation of the content and method of teaching theology at Loyola School of Theology (LST). More than half the Jesuit students of theology now do their first cycle studies at LST, so provincials are eager to support efforts to recruit well for that faculty. They discussed the implications of this option for local theology faculties, and supported moves for mutual accreditation among the schools. We shared our efforts in promoting the study by Jesuits of Ignatian sources and spirituality. We explored proposals for the formation of brothers in the Society, and for leadership and governance formation. We commended the forthcoming four week workshop on Islam planned for 5 January to 2 February 2011 at Sanata Dharma, Yogyakarta. This is open to all, scholastics, brothers, priests and co-workers.
Professional Standards
The four and a half day meeting included a full morning for prayer and prayerful fraternal sharing, before moving to choose the Conference priority projects. A half day was also given to professional standards, and a decision made that all provinces and regions will have protocols regarding their response to complaints of inappropriate behaviour by Jesuits and members of Jesuit institutions, as well as culturally appropriate codes of conduct for all members of the Conference. The provinces will assist one another in developing these and in supporting superiors and communities in promoting and implementing them.
Ongoing Activities
Reports were received of course from various Conference workshops held over the past six months, such as that of the Novice Directors, the Pastors, the Communicators, the Development Officers, the Buddhist Scholars, and the Theological Cooperation Working Group, as well as from the EAPI and Arrupe International Residence. The provincials looked ahead at myriad workshops planned for the coming six months and for next year, including the social ministries, indigenous ministries, various formation and theology planning groups, and a meeting of Socii for later next year. There was a generous readiness to seek the right person for needed common assignments. We witnessed too a real readiness to share financial resources when our universal mission calls for it. Basically we are growing more and more into the ideal expressed in GC35: “Our governance structures and ways of proceeding should flow from a perspective of greater universality.” (GC35 Decree 5, 1a) The openness to cooperation, along with the warm, efficient and simple hospitality of the youthful Korean Province made for a most helpful time together in Seoul.
Mark Raper SJ
President JCAP
Ignatius Day 2010