Spanish bishops meet in special assembly, target four priorities

Published: 2006-06-27

MADRID, Spain (CNS) -- For the first time in 40 years, Spain's bishops met in a special assembly and targeted four priorities for the nation's Catholics. During the June 21-22 meeting, the bishops focused on Christian initiation, Sunday as a key element in Christian identity, marriage and family, and encouraging well-trained laypeople in public life. The bishops also agreed to issue a "pastoral instruction," although they did not specify a date for it. At a June 23 press conference, Father Juan Martinez Camino, secretary-general and spokesman for the bishops' conference, acknowledged the bishops believe they need to act slowly but said that "this plenary is going to have its consequences." "I can say that the conference has never been as united as it is now," he said, noting that although there are some differences of opinion all of the bishops are united in their concern.

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