In office to serve, not to be served

October 25, 2018
Roy Burnham
Petaluma
 
I am an 87-year-old practicing Catholic. I have received the sacraments throughout the terms of eight popes, an unknown number of cardinals and the many archbishops and bishops in San Francisco, Oakland and Santa Rosa.
 
I have been reading the articles in your publication regarding the sex abuse scandals, written by clergy, lay experts and through letters to the editors. Only recently have I seen mention of the general attitude of the church hierarchy. Not only those perceived to be involved, but all officials of responsibility.
 
We,” The People of God,” continue to elevate the hierarchy to a point they feel privileged and adored. They have rings for us to kiss, and sit on thrones elevated above us. How medieval!
 
Those who hold these offices are important members of our church. We need them. But, they and we must realize that their office is to serve, not to be served. It seems to me that we have succumbed to the same ills that have affected all of society.
 
Perhaps we should abandon the rings, thrones and other visual elements of privilege. We need humility at all levels of our church. Pope Francis shows his personal humility. I pray that we all do the same.
 
The institution will survive if the governing structure sees right from wrong and acts to eradicate the wrongdoing. The actions of those in charge to cover up the misdeeds, will indeed empty the pews.
 

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