Videoconference, February 27th 2004 - Professor Jean Galot, Rome

The priest confronting sects

In today’s world there exists a multiplication of sects. Sects are religious groups that wish to exercise in common cult activities, spiritual education, prayer and social activities. It is difficult to define a sect, but they generally involve a small number of members and are thereby distinguished from the "great religions".

In the history of religions groups are often initially considered as sects; then when they grow they are acknowledged as religions. This is what happened for Christianity.

The priest is called upon to recognise in sects the manifestation of a hunger for God - animating many human lives. Within his faith a priest has a more correct idea of God. But even though he is capable of more easily discerning deviations and mistakes than the religious person, he must first of all accept the positive value of all humankind’s attempts to make contact with God. There are good elements in these attempts and they deserve to be encouraged and developed.

The danger would consist in seeing only a mistaken religiosity in sects. The priest has a special duty that may help him understand the hidden or manifest good even within the framework of a very imperfect faith. With the light of the Holy Spirit he can obtain the grace to discover mistakes that at times are presented under a very attractive form. He must never think he is protected from all deviations: he needs the Spirit to preserve a perfect rectitude of thought. To the extent that this is possible he must try and correct mistakes without offending people.

The priest has the duty of bearing witness of a profound and sincere respect for all associations which are addressed at developing humankind’s sincere religious vocations. According to the declarations of international society, one must respect each human being’s right to authentic religious freedom, avoiding all forms of intolerance or discrimination founded on the persuasions of faith or the belonging to religious groups or movements.

In virtue of the precept of universal love announced by Christ, the priest is invited to make a special effort involving kindness and understanding for all those committed to groups that are hostile to the Church and that fight against the doctrine proclaimed by the Gospel.

Trying to better understand the reasons for this hostility he must keep hope he will be able to overcome the prejudice and obtain a more effective light that will eliminate misunderstandings and provide full access to the truth.

When there is abuse present, especially in behaviours damaging the human personality, the priest has the duty to resort to the authorities, in the most discreet way possible, to protect the rights of those who are threatened.