NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Pope John Paul II sees the new lay movements which have sprung up in recent years as "one of the most significant fruits of this springtime of the Church." But the Holy Father cautions against the perception-- occasionally seen among the members of some movements-- that there is a conflict between the "institutional" and "charismatic" dimensions of the Church.

      These observations were on the agenda in Rome today as the Pontifical Council for the Laity greeted representatives of 56 lay movements, at a conference that will last through the weekend. The conference was opened today by Cardinal James Stafford, and the delegates heard a message from Pope John Paul. The conference will close with a meeting with the Holy Father in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, May 30.

      The Pope's message emphasized the "encouragement" which the new lay movements provide for Catholics all around the world. He said that the healthiest communities, while diverse in their individual aims, share a solid foundation in baptism and a common interest in spreading the faith.

      In his own talk to the Rome conference, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger echoed the Pope's warning against setting up a false opposition between "institutional" and "charismatic" elements in the Church. At the same time, he said, the faith is strongest when there is greater reliance on the Holy Spirit, and less on organizational structures.