Panel: NEW GENERATIONS AND THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH



89.4 - TOWARDS INTERCULTURAL PASTORAL CARE IN EUROPE

AUTHORS:
Biemans W. (Tilburg School of Catholic Theology ~ Utrecht ~ Netherlands)
Text:
Young Catholic migrant couples and intercultural couples from all over the world are arriving in large numbers in the Western world. Some already have a job when they arrive, others have fled from unsafe areas, and still others arrive because of a Western partner. In this paper, I examine how Catholic and other Christian pastoral caregivers can respond to this growing demand, particularly regarding marriage preparation and pastoral care after a church wedding. I argue that migrant communities and territorial parishes in a hosting country have chances to promote intercultural pastoral care. Results from a quantitative survey demonstrate that migrant couples and intercultural couples appreciate a more intensive, professional, and welcoming marriage and relationship education. It is also concluded that seeking reconciliation after a conflict and experiencing forgiveness from one's spouse are significantly associated with a higher perceived relationship quality. Qualitative data show that faith is a value that can bridge cultural differences between the host and home country. Finally, it is shown that welcoming and accommodating young refugees, especially from situations of war, can have a vitalizing effect on host parishes.