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)