Time to rework teaching, governance

May 13, 2019
Maureen Bennett
San Anselmo
 
Re “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church,” quoted in “Crisis calls for ‘prophetic’ laity,” March 14:
 
“Bishops, in communion with the pope, are solely responsible for teaching and governance, serving the faithful by the example of the good shepherd.”
 
Let’s look at that a bit more closely. Setting the sexual abuse scandal aside, let’s examine the response of the bishops to the 2015 papal encyclical “Laudato si’.” How has our archbishop exercised his responsibility as sole teacher and governor in the promotion of this document, held by many in scientific and secular communities to be of critical importance to the survival of our planet? Have priests in our archdiocese been exhorted to read, preach and promote action in response to this teaching document? If so, it’s a well-kept secret.
 
It’s time for structures of teaching and governance to be examined and reworked in light of the talent and energy present in the body “Catholic.” Some will see this as a threat to power and authority. So be it.

 

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