Following is the text of the position paper prepared by Brs Vin Duggan, Joe Lauren and Paul Robertson on behalf of the Shaping Our Future Committee for Oceania (SOFCO).

   POSITION PAPER

We wish to develop in consultation with key people in the Edmund Rice Network in Oceania a position paper on the terminology to be used to describe the Edmund Rice Network, on an agreed statement as to what it means to be a member of the Edmund Rice Network and giving a description of the Edmund Rice Network as it currently is in Oceania, and how a person identifies as being part of the Edmund Rice Network.

   DEFINITION

"The Edmund Rice Network is an association of groups, institutions and people that look to Edmund's story as part of their personal inspiration or that have a connection to an Edmund Rice/Christian Brothers' inspired ministry."

   COMMENTARY

Edmund gave generously of his life in the service of others, particularly the poor and marginalized, in response to the call of the gospel. His example continues to sound an echo in the hearts of those who make up the Edmund Rice Network today. In accord with the circumstances of their lives they strive, as did Edmund in his time, to respond to the call of the gospel. Through its various groups and ministries the Edmund Rice Network brings people into association and provides opportunity for them to reflect on this call and to discover ways of expressing their commitment in the building of a more just world.

The Edmund Rice Network identifies with and strives to live this Edmund Rice vision. Some current examples of groups in the Edmund Rice Network in Oceania are: Edmund Rice Education Australia and Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition, Edmund Rice Family groups, the Edmund Rice Camp Movements, Edmund Rice Ministries, Edmund Rice Communities, Edmund Rice Reflection Groups, Justice Groups, Callan Services, Associations of former Brothers and other groups associated with the Edmund Rice or Christian Brothers' names.

In 2002, the Congregational Chapter in Rome saw a change in terminology from Edmund Rice Family to Edmund Rice Network and committed themselves to supporting and promoting the continued development of the Network in conjunction with appropriate groups. The Brothers of Oceania see themselves as one of the groups within the Edmund Rice Network and wish to have an on-going close association with the other groups in the Network.

   WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE EDMUND RICE NETWORK?

Edmund Rice is one of many charismatic figures over time who have inspired others in working towards the building of a more just world where all enjoy dignity, equality and freedom.

The Edmund Rice Network stands alongside other groups promoting these values.

There are many people who take inspiration from the life of Edmund Rice. Some of these are not associated with and may not even be known to any group within the Network. People such as these cannot be said to be members of the Network unless they choose to be so. The Network is challenged to develop the opportunity for these people to belong in some way should they so choose.

It is also acknowledged that for some working in an Edmund Rice ministry, Edmund Rice may not be their direct inspiration. These people are inspired by their colleagues or by the people to whom they minister.

   COMMUNICATION

For purposes of communication and consultation between the various groups within the Network we name below those groups or individuals which are identifiable.

1. Any group, association or institution established and currently using the name "Edmund Rice" or "Christian Brother" as part of its own name or description.
   
   
2. Any individual who identifies with or strives to live in accord with the gospel inspiration which inspired Edmund Rice and who chooses, for the time being, to associate with or belong to a group using the name "Edmund Rice" or "Christian Brothers".*

*This implies:

• That there is established a process of accreditation (Currently the Inter-Province Leadership Committee (ILC) is responsible for this and has a copyright on the Edmund Rice name.)
  
  
• That there will be established some grouping (e.g. Friends in Edmund) to which individuals can formally connect themselves to the charism. Note too that the description for the individual leaves out any comment about depth of commitment — it could be simply that they want to continue to be part of any newsletter and will offer prayer support.