Small Christian communities as locus for effective co-responsibility in the diocese of Karonga

Abstract

To promote active participation of all Christians in the mission of the Church, the Diocese of Karonga, like any other Diocese in Malawi, adopted Small Christian Communities as part of the structure of a parish. Small Christian Communities promote co-responsibility in the Church. However, there seem to be lack of understanding of Small Christian Communities as the locus of effective co-responsibility. Generally, it is the leadership of the Small Christian Communities who are left alone to carry out responsibilities. It looks like the reason for the lack of understanding derives from the deficiency of theological understanding of the importance of Small Christian Communities and co-responsibility in the Church. The dissertation seeks to discuss the theological foundation of Small Christian Communities connected with co-responsibility and areas of co-responsibility in Small Christian Communities. It also seeks to analyse the present situation of Small Christian Communities in the Diocese of Karonga. The Dissertation will consider all these in the light of Second Vatican Council.