Resolution 5
Religious Communities
The Conference recognises with gratitude the contribution of the religious communities, both of men and of women, to the life of the Church, and values their witness to the absolute character of the claims of God on the life of man, to the fruitfulness of a life given to prayer and service, and to the unity of the Church across the divisions which at present exist. It calls upon the communities to take their part in the present renewal of the Church, in particular by seeking to renew themselves according to the priorities of the Gospel and the original intention of their foundation. It recommends that, in all provinces where communities exist, close co-operation between the bishops and the communities should be maintained and developed.