Quantitative Growth or Authentic Witnessing to the Gospel?

This book argues that the Church as people of God, but most particularly, the Catholic Church, fulfils her mission as instrument of salvation when she proclaims the message of Christ to a people in their concrete existential situation. In carrying out this mission, the historical context, cultural and religious heritage, socio-economic reality and tribal differences of the people must never be ignored. Besides, the Church can only succeed in this mission when she remains extricated from the clutches of political manipulations, cultural prejudice, and ecclesiastical and clerical triumphalism. Indeed, the message of the incarnation - which also implies inculturation - presupposes the mission to enthrone the reign of God and the manifestation of the manifesto of Jesus (cf. Lk. 4:18-21). The clear sign of the reign of God cannot be characterized by quantitative growth of Christians, but on the conspicuous presence of love, peace, freedom, well-being and justice.