Claiming the Right to Say No-30 Nov 09-EQUATIONS - Equitable ...

Claiming the Right to Say No
xi)
It is not enough that the church works for the religious welfare of
the tourist community, for there is a great need to monitor all the
antisocial activities like drug marketing, paedophilia, sex tourism,
etc, taking place in the parish community.
xii)
Conclusion
Parishes, especially those in the places of tourist’s importance,
should keep the information regarding parish services updated
and has to ensure that this information is readily available at hotels,
guest houses, information point or even a sign board outside the
church could be a great help.
Theologizing that is responsive to the challenges of the context must take
the concern of the people seriously. Abuses of the natural resources,
growing disrespect to women and children, and erosion of the values on
account of tourism, challenge the theologians and the Church in Goa, to
commit themselves to visualize the shape of the Church that is relevant to
the context and situation of the people. The Church has to make her faith
more alive, dynamic and challenging by encountering the reality of tourism,
while at the same time remaining faithful to her living tradition and mission.
Theologizing is the mystical experience and praxis-oriented prophetic
commitment to reveal God’s presence in our daily situation. Thus, in the
context of tourism, our seacoast, fields, rich cultural heritage, and hills act
as a place for a relevant theology of tourism. The Church cannot remain
silent or neutral in the face of dehumanising impacts, rather prophetically
challenge the situation. Our response to the reality of tourism from the
Christian perspective made us more aware of the mission of the Church.
However, the work needs to be carried on by joining hands with all those
who are committed to the state of Goa.
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