Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu calls for collaboration between sending and receiving Churches

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization, called for closer cooperation between churches that send missionaries and those that receive them. Speaking on October 22 at a conference for the Church of the Sheaves, a new global missionary initiative, Nwachukwu said the movement of personnel should involve a genuine exchange of gifts to renew the whole Church.

Nwachukwu stated that receiving churches must do more than provide work for priests, religious, or pastoral workers. He said receiving communities should welcome missionaries as brothers and sisters, helping them understand local language, history, culture, and pastoral realities. He noted that missionaries bring their faith and the spiritual fruits of their home churches, but they must also listen and serve with humility.

The Archbishop said sending churches are responsible for providing human, spiritual, cultural, and pastoral formation. He added that receiving churches share the responsibility for successful mission by offering accompaniment and opportunities for integration.