Vatican City, Aug 31, 2005 / 22:00 pm
More than 400 people from 98 countries, among them 98 bishops, will meet in Rome this month for an international biblical conference on the theme, Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church. Organizers are also expecting participants from other churches and religions to attend.
The conference, from Sept.14 to 18 at the Aurelia Convention Center, is organized to mark the 40th anniversary of the promulgation of the conciliar document Dei Verbum (Word of God), which was approved shortly before the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council in 1965.
Dei Verbum “brought a growing awareness of the importance of Sacred Scripture,” said Cardinal Walter Kasper, Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. It also promoted biblical study and research,” he said.
Organizers say the conference is not a look-back at the last 40 years, but an occasion to discuss fundamental problems and challenges that must be faced in the 21st century with an inspired biblical outlook, which takes into consideration the ecclesial context, ecumenical dialogue, dialogue with various cultures and religions, with society and with the world.