This document had not been published here. The closing speech by Cardinal Ricard, already mentioned here, included the main aspects of this "Message", dated from the closing day of the Plenary Assembly of the French Episcopal Conference, which is now presented for documentary purposes.
Conference of the bishops of France
Plenary Assembly - November 2006Message of the Assembly of the bishops of France
to Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard,
President of the ConferenceAssembled in Lourdes for their Plenary Assembly, the bishops of France wish to express their communion with Pope Benedict XVI.
With him, they recognize the riches of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, fruit of the living Tradition of the Church.
With him, they wish to proceed with the reception of the various faithful of Christ attached to the liturgical forms previous to this Council.
With him, they share the desire for the reconciliation of the priests and lay faithful which have separated themselves from ecclesial communion after this Council.
The bishops expect from these faithful a gesture of unequivocal assent to the teachings of the authentic Magisterium of the Church.
French history has its own complexity; the liturgical question is not the sole source of difficulties. In its Tradition, the Church has always associated the liturgy to her faith.
The bishops affirm their attachment to the liturgical renewal willed by the Second Vatican Council, whose implementation, [which is] always to be promoted, testify to the fidelity both of priests and of communities.
The Assembly expresses its fraternal confidence to the President of the Conference, Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard. It restates to the Holy See the will of the bishops of France to work for reconciliation in truth and in charity.November 9, 2006
On the feast of the Dedication of Saint John Lateran
