Metropolitan Borys at USCCB assembly: I hope to be able to contribute to friendship between Church in US and Europe

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) met for the General Assembly in Baltimore, MD on June 11-14. The new Metropolitan of Philadelphia, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Borys (Gudziak) is taking part in it for the first time.

When asked by a journalist of CNA News Agency what experience the Metropolitan can share with the bishops of the United States and what new things he can bring to the Assembly, Archbishop Borys answered: "The only thing I would like to testify about is the universality of the Church. Due to the lack of American priests and seminarians in other countries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain friendly relations with other episcopal conferences and other bishops. And I hope I can contribute to the friendship between the Church of the United States and the Church in Western and Eastern Europe, as I have lived in both parts of this continent for many years."

It should be added that during the meetings of the General Assembly, the US bishops discuss current issues of the life of the Roman Catholic Church in this country. Reports of the National Advisory Council and annual reports on the progress of the national audit commission, the report of Bishop Robert E. Barron, Chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechization, as well as the report of the working group of bishops on immigration issues are heard.

The question of canonization of the Servant of God Irving (Francis) K.Houle is also on the agenda. The problems in the Church, related to sexual scandals, are also considered.

The strategic plan of the Church of the United States for years 2020-2024 is also on the agenda to be discussed.