Om de parochie: het interculturerende perspectief van rituele marginaliteit. Verkenning van een onderzoeksperspectief

Abstract

In this article the authors intend to present and thematize a research perspective. It begins by laying the groundwork with a sketch of the secularization process in general and postmodern developments surrounding rituality in particular. To no small degree, the secularization process can be described as a process of ‘churchifying’, in which ecclesiastical repertories increasingly withdraw from the social and cultural domain to inside the walls of the parish. Within the parochial domain, rituality (liturgy) and clerical leadership (the pastor) are to be seen as dominant, sustaining and defining features. In short, the parish can now be considered as a central point for initiatives encouraging inculturation of faith and church. Thus the parish is considered as a basis for inculturation, i.e., forging new connections with the culture. This track of inculturation is indispensable for a relevant and vital parish which is part of its environment. After all, the position of what can certainly be considered as the last ecclesiastical domain is not self-evident. Various movements which have a potential for innovative, vital inculturation can now be traced on the margins of the parish. The research perspective proposed here does not focus on the internal structures and activities of parishes, but is intended to explore a series of these vigorous movements. Hence, in the research perspective, secularization and culture are connected with marginality and inculturation. It is proposed that this landscape of vital movements surrounding the parish be explored and described, and also that a typology based on the results of the descriptive research be drawn up, and that the results be interpreted and evaluated. Rituality and clerical leadership are the central parameters in this distinct research phase. The exploration will lead to a balance sheet and perspective with respect to those qualities encouraging or discouraging inculturation, which may or may not be present in the movements investigated. The conviction which lies behind this is that an exploration of this sort is essential for thinking and acting with regard to inculturation of faith and the church, as well as with regard to reflection and action regarding vital parishes. Hence the double meaning of the title ‘About the parish’: movements and initiatives round about the parish that in any number of ways forge connections between parish and culture are considered for their invigorating, inculturating qualities, for the sake of the parish.