Asian and Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith
A statement by the Committee on Migration. ©2001 USCCB
V. Conclusion
Asian and Pacific communities rejoice that they are called to the house of the Lord. As the bishops of the Church in the United States, we rejoice in their presence. "Blessed be God for the peoples of Asia, so rich in their diversity yet one in their yearning for peace and fullness of life."35
By being authentically Christian and truly Asian in the footsteps of Christ, they have brought to us a more profound understanding of what it means to be truly Catholic. They have taught the Church in the United States the meaning of harmony; the necessity of dialogue with their cultures, with other religions, and with the poor; a renewed sense of family loyalty; the unity between diverse cultures and diverse Catholic church communities; and the closeness of all God's creation.
As bishops of the Church, we acknowledge the contributions of all Asian and Pacific persons, especially their many creative initiatives that assist our ministries in our dioceses and parishes. "They are lively in faith, full of the hope and vitality which only love can bring."36
We hope in this third millennium—with the yearning of the universal Church and the foresight of the Holy Father—to concretely strengthen our ties with our Asian and Pacific communities here in the United States and in their homelands. We will enable their voice to be heard among ourselves and the Church at large.
We pray that the Church can be truly a sacrament of harmony and unity, a Church that is complete and whole.