Alessandro Valignano
On January 20, the church celebrates the life of Alessandro Valignano, a Jesuit Missionary (1539 - 1606).
The spread of Christianity in the Americas accompanied a policy of colonial conquest. But, in Japan and China, the Jesuits insisted on a different approach. This involved distinguishing Christianity from any hint of colonial interest and even from European culture. Instead the Jesuits sought as far as possible to root the gospel in the culture and mentality of their hosts. Alessandro believed it was essential that the church assimilate itself to Japenese and Chinese culture.
This is exactly the approach we use at City House, only we go a step further. Not only do we meet persons on the margins where they are and not where we want them to be, we also let go of any agenda about religion. We believe that God is already at work in each person we encounter. We just support people in deepening that awareness. They already have everything that they need.
But even back in the 1500s, Alessandro was living out the values of assimilation that we honor in our work.
