Ignatian heritage. Availability is an attitude of the individual Jesuit and a characteristic of the whole Society.
The world and the church today. Growing consciousness of the world has given us a deeper realization that some problems are global in nature and therefore require global solutions.
Living our heritage. Effective apostolic service requires a lived awareness of the local church.
Ignatian universalism is being expressed through mutual help and solidarity among different provinces and regions, sharing of information and experiences, interprovincial meetings and work groups, a variety of activities undertaken in common. Yet a certain kind of provincialism, the immediate demands of local needs, and a lack of appropriate interrelated structures have prevented us from realizing our global potential.
Fostering an attitude of universalism. "We must foster an attitude of universalism ... as an interior attitude of all Jesuits." Candidates must be evaluated for their openness to and capacity for this characteristic; this universality must be emphasized at each stage of formation; one objective is to foster an attitude of universalism through experiences of the Society's universal character. Jesuits are to learn languages other than their own. All Jesuits are to learn English as a common language. A process should be established whereby Jesuits can be screened and trained to move from culture to culture. For governance, provincials and their consultors should possess the qualities and endowments so necessary for the establishment of true and productive cooperation among themselves.
Developing global and regional networking. The official structure for governance constitutes a framework for the development of many different forms of global and regional cooperation and networking. To exploit more fully the possibilities given us by being an international body, additional global and regional networks must be created. A thorough review of "twinning," (which has replaced the concept of "mission regions") is recommended to redefine its goals and functions so that greater solidarity and a more effective matching of resources with needs can be achieved.
Conferences of Major Superiors. GC 34 reaffirms the establishment of conferences of major superiors. The design and mode of operating of various conferences will reflect cultural and regional differences. The objectives of each conference should open each region to the universal dimensions of the Society; help major superiors become more aware of their responsibility for the Society and the Church throughout their region; facilitate unity, communication, a common vision, and effective leadership among major superiors; set priorities, to plan for and coordinate common activities. Composition is determined by Father General taking into account geographical and cultural factors. As conferences become more structured, a moderator will be required.
Moderators of conferences of major superiors. The moderator is to assist in the development of a common vision for the region and the whole Society. He must have the authority needed to call its major superiors to research, planning and setting of priorities and then carry out actions. Any division between apostolic responsibility for the work and cura personalis of the Jesuits should be avoided. Established rules and objective criteria will govern the assignment of personnel. Moderators will be called together annually to heighten their own sense of universality; gain a better understanding of the global priorities of the Society; work with Father General in overseeing and encouraging the further development of regional and global cooperation. Communication among moderators is to be encouraged. Moderators attend general congregations and meetings of provincials ex officio.
Priorities. Father General and his staff will discern the greater needs and establish global and regional priorities.
Synopses of Other Decrees which are available.
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