Churches urged to be self-reliant

Churches urged to be self-reliant

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Local Catholic churches here must strive
to become self-reliant, no longer depending on donations from
foreign churches, Jayapura Bishop Herman F.M. Munninghoff said
here yesterday.

Munninghoff, who will end his bishopric tenure after 25 years
of service on Sunday, told 185 participants of a Catholic church
workshop that dependence on outside donations would do more harm
than good.

"Catholic churches are supposed to train their congregations
to become self-reliant instead of being dependent on donations
from abroad," he said.

Munninghoff expressed optimism that the churches could become
self-reliant.

"But, they must begin now," he said. (aan)