Are sects arising in the Catholic Church with the new movements and
communities?
An interdisciplinary study, presented in the latest issue of the review
Concilium, answers with an emphatic no.
The research, carried out by the review's Scientific Committee and directed by
historian Alberto Melloni, involved experts in history, theology, canon law and
sociology.
Presenting the result of the monographic research, entitled "Movements in
the Church," Father Rosino Gibellini, director of the review, told Vatican
Radio that the new movements cannot be classified as sects -- despite
widespread talk to the contrary.
The new ecclesial realities -- many do not call themselves
"movements" -- have arisen in particular after the Second Vatican
Council. They bring together millions of Catholics. The best-known groups
include the Focolarini, Neocatechumenal Way, Communion and Liberation, Emmanuel
Community, Regnum Christi, the Community of Sant'Egidio, and charismatic
renewal groups.
The Concilium study demonstrates that "the movements are religious
organizations. They are not sects, as above all, they refer to the authority of
the Church. What is more, it could be said that they have a direct line with
the leadership of the Church," Father Gibellini said.
Moreover, they offer a human service, and "these two references impede
speaking about them as sects," he added.
The study of theologian Alexandre Ganoczy shows that a sect "is an
opposite and alternative ecclesial form: 'We are the Church.' In practice, the
ecclesial character of these movements is neither oppositional nor exclusive
and, therefore, the concept of sect cannot be used."
"One cannot continue with the mentality that disqualifies these movements,
as they must be evaluated with the yardstick of an open ecclesial
context," he said. "Concilium, free of an ideologized analysis, has
shown that these movements must be integrated in this open ecclesial context.
Therefore, each one makes its contribution. Moreover, the process is
open."
The theologian added: "I think that these movements revitalize the
Christian community fabric."