An intercultural day with IPT students at Défap

On this occasion, Défap opened its doors to them for a morning of discussion and discovery, including a thematic event and a visit to the library.

Welcomed in the Défap premises, at 102 boulevard Arago (Paris 14th), the students were received by the general secretary, Vincent Nôme-Peyron. He presented them with the various missions of the organization, placing particular emphasis on its commitment to interculturality.

In this context, Jean-Pierre Anzala, head of theological exchange at Défap, spoke on the influence of cultural contexts in theological reflection. Drawing on his pastoral experience in varied contexts – in Brest, the Antilles and Noisy-le-Grand – he underlined how local realities shape the way of thinking and living the faith. He encouraged the students to welcome diversity as an asset: “Tomorrow, in your ministries, you will be confronted with contexts which will shake up your certainties. My message to you is simple: don’t be afraid of your identity, and don’t be afraid of that of others. It is in this cultural “friction”, sometimes uncomfortable but always fertile, that the Word of God becomes flesh.[…]