I Believe Within The Church

Locates personal faith within the context of Christian community (Church), and relativizes the Church against the bigger picture of the incarnation, redemption and human destiny. It brings believing (faith) and beliefs together as one believer's personal story, and invites readers to trace the roots of their own personal faith. Discovering one's own story within this bigger picture leads to where all good catechesis, religious education, homilies and pastoral practices should lead, namely to wonder and amazement, deep reassurance and trust, thanksgiving, desire and delight. The story is told in the form of narrative and direct speech addressing God; it is told as a prayer and is illustrated in order to help us reflect as we pray. Peter J. Cullinane is Bishop of Palmerston North, New Zealand