What Are These Grassroots Communities?

They are "small groups of about 10 to 30 people from the same area and same class who come together to discuss concrete problems in the light of the Bible, and to discuss lines of action in response to their situation. The overwhelming majority are poor and come from the margins of society."

Let us examine the way members of these grassroots communi-ties see their life together. For example, at a gathering of members in Vitoria, Brazil, in 1975, one question was put: "What kind of grassroots community do we want?"

1. "We want mature Christian communities that are committed to Christ, and to the people and their liberation."

2. "We want communities that are led by the gifts of the Spirit, and that are integrated into the total church, along with other communities, in a spirit of free and fraternal intercommunica-tion."

3. "We desire communities that are in 2 constant process of reflection and of growth, in-depth, under firm leadership" (pp. 14-15).