Bishop Barron addresses proselytism on EWTN

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester addressed the distinction between aggressive proselytism and Christian proclamation during an interview on EWTN’s The World Over with Raymond Arroyo.

Barron responded to a new Vatican document marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, which discourages single-minded proselytism and defensive entrenchment. He noted that Pope Francis has defined proselytism as obnoxious evangelization characterized by an overbearing or browbeating approach. While Barron supports respectful interreligious dialogue, he argued that the Church must continue to announce Jesus in a friendly and nonthreatening manner.

Barron suggested that the Church should emphasize proclamation more clearly, stating that the Church is not a debating society but exists to proclaim the truth in love. He expressed a desire to move away from the term proselytizing because of its varied modern uses.