I would like to ask all my brother Cardinals to describe what they see as the sacramental nature of the Church? What is the importance of the sacraments in relation to the other functions of the Church?
(Cardinal Hume rises energeticallly)
I do not believe there is a man in this room who doubts the importance of the seven sacraments. I feel the same way; however, while the sacraments are extremely important to our church and its followers, I believe our church's duty of ministry must take precedence.
It is our role to bring new souls to the church and to instill in them faith in Christ, I believe only a simple childlike faith is necessary (though complex understandings are a blessing from God), and to encourage good works. We must continue to spread the Good News, and the sacrements, to those who have not had the opportunity to hear or receive them. Equally as important is for our Church to minister to its lost sheep, to those who have received the Good News and the sacrements, but have strayed away particularly those of our church in the developed world who have been lured away by material goods or their belief that the church no longer is revelant in modern society. Declining numbers at mass, where they may receive the eucharist and increasing divorce numbers, indicate that our ministry must take a higher level of significance to our sacraments, for the time being.
