Nigerian Vatican Official Calls for Collaboration between “sending and receiving Churches” for Success of Mission

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization, called for closer collaboration 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 from the Dicastery, Nwachukwu said the program should facilitate a genuine exchange of gifts to renew the entire Church rather than just moving personnel.

Nwachukwu stated that receiving churches should not merely find work for a priest, religious, or pastoral worker, but should instead welcome them as brothers and sisters by helping them understand local language, history, culture, and pastoral realities. He noted that while missionaries bring their faith and experience, 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 must offer accompaniment and opportunities for integration to ensure successful mission work.