Comments for Strong Bishops – and Bishops’ Conferences at http://www.thecatholicthing.org , comment 1 to 10 out of 10 comments http://www.thecatholicthing.org Tue, 21 May 2013 14:54:03 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4925 with some frequency I remind people that only one bishop of some 28 objected to Henry VIII; and he lost his head for it - Jim Thunder Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:32:58 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4917 Each diocesan bishop already has the option of establishing a Diocesan Pastoral Council within his diocese. But the core problem still remains. The bishops in the U.K. who actually form pastoral councils invariably select like minded lay people to positions of influence i.e., liberal ramblers. This allows those bishops to claim the liberal view is the sensus fidelium. - GeordieBoys Mon, 27 Sep 2010 04:01:31 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4916 Each diocesan bishop already has the option of establishing a Diocesan Pastoral Council within his diocese. But the core problem still remains. The bishops in the U.K. who actually form pastoral councils invariably select like minded lay people to positions of influence i.e., liberal ramblers. This allows those bishops to claim the liberal view is the sensus fidelium. - GeordieBoys Mon, 27 Sep 2010 04:01:00 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4915 It has occurred to me more than once that the parish is an idea of genius. The mega churches (so many of which do not even display a cross) seem to be devolving into those such as Joel Osteen's -- theologically and morally decontented. The parish is a better size to be led and in which to be heard. The diocese can offer similar benefits. When the USCCB spent two million dollars on a study that attempted to eliminate homosexuality as even an element in the abuse scandal, I was reminded of the denial and splendid isolation of so much of institutional America these days -- law, medicine, education, government, and last but not least, the human resources departments of too many businesses. There is probably no magic bullet that can solve the problems afflicting the USCCB, but I have often wondered if the structure of the Episcopal Church might -- and it is a big might -- offer a possibility. Of course I'm a former Episcopalian and now a practicing Catholic in large part because of that church's leadership. Still, could a House of Bishops (the USCCB) be somewhat balanced by a House of Clergy and Laity? Perhaps Catholic clergy and laity might compel some thoughtfulness, doctrinal clarity, and uncommon sense in the USCCB's declarations and edicts. There might also be a more formal alliance between orthodox bishops and like-minded clergy and laity. Yet, I don't know what you do about the bright young things who run offices in such institutions everywhere in America. It has been speculated that more than one justice of the Supreme Court has had his or her head turned by young clerks in their latest law school constitutional fashions. Perhaps something similar occurs at the USCCB. - Graham Combs Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:53:38 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4914 I was at that speech in Washington DC. I was impressed with the approachability and the intellectual prowess of his Excellency. It was a sheer delight to hear him echo the concerns that Cardinal Ratzinger had so long ago expressed in the Ratzinger Report. It was clear that he knew what his role is in the Church as well as the proper role the Conference is to play and its limitations. - Christopher Wendt Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:38:47 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4910 This brings to mind Bishop John Fischer standing alone among his fellow British Bishops in his opposition to Henry VIII. - AHR Sat, 25 Sep 2010 05:12:07 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4909 Anonymous, Even the Dallas document had no force until it was endorsed by Rome. - Austin Ruse Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:42:01 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4908 Thank you Mr. Ruse for an inside look at how episcopal political sausage is made. I pray for the courage of our Church leaders every day. Courage is in short supply but it is the virtue upon which all other virtues depend. - Ray Hunkins Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:20:05 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4906 My memory is that 83 bishops chastised Notre Dame for the doctorate given the president. The Church is getting stronger and holier. Even my old home diocese is arising, but there are still many dissenters in senior positions there. There's still a lot of work to be done. - Dennis Larkin Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:44:31 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2010/strong-bishops-and-bishops-conferences.html#comment-4905 "He strongly asserted the longstanding canonical authority of the local bishop over against anything produced by bishops’ conferences." Questions: How does this statement relate to the policy statement of the Dallas Commision for dealing with accusations against a priest? Is a bishop bound by this policy unequivocally with no consideration of circumstances? - anonymous Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:00:13 +0100