Gus preempts his usual 60 Second Reflection by talking about how yesterday, at the November Meetings, the bishops voted down a resolution that would "encourage" the Holy See to release all documents on the allegations of sexual misconduct against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. Gus expresses anger towards this resolution by saying how insensitive this appears to victims of clergy sex abuse and to faithful Catholics who are standing by the Church in the face of all of this. He also gets listener reaction.
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Thank you brother Gus,
For your word through radio media, you have awakened many. I have observed Dr. Taylor Marshell, his perception is deep as well. Thanks for what you’re doing. I hope cardinal Dolan is not intercepting your perception.
Pax Vobiscum.
As you have been discussing clerical sexual abuse I have tried to call in multiple times over the past week. I hear your listeners and you talk about holding the bishops accountable. The reality of the institution of the church is this is not possible—to whom would they be accountable. Parishoners have no equity in the chruch—there is no one who can hold them to account. The institution has failed to use the civil legal system in cases where there is clear illegality. In 1984 Abp. Rembert Weakland made ridiculous claim that he was not aware that sexual abuse of minors was a crime. About the same time he approved a $450,000 payment of hush money to conceal his involvement in a homosexual affair with a theology student at Marquette University. Even after this became public he defended the payment because the royalty income from his IP would have exceeded the amount—this is nonsense and as a vowed religious he had sworn to a life of poverty. I don’t suppose claiming your portential earnings as an offset to a hush money payment is really in alignment with vows of poverty.
The point is the bishops cannot hold themselves accountable. Recent church history is replete with similar examples. Unfortunately this is the polity of the church. It’s God ordained to all who accept church teaching. I’m frustrated with all the proposed secular solutions that we all know cannot be operative without dismantling the church as constituted.
I think really committed Catholics can deduce with a reasonable degree of certainty which bishops have demonstrated contrition and truly love the chuch—others where clericalism is a priority and love for the church is superficial and finally those who are simply incompetant administrators. The bishops acting as a unit will not solve the problem because there is simply no enforcement mechanism to ensure justice is done.
I suggest that Catholics stop looking to the institution for solutions. Put pressure on individual bishops to be transparent, act lawfully, ethically and show compassion for victims. If it means your dicocese will be forced into bankruptcy so be it—sin has consequences.
Loving the church requires us to chasten the guilty individuals—there is no collective guilt only guilty individuals. The church will heal when the Rembert Weaklands and Theodore McCarricks are excised from public ministry and stand before the bar of civil authority when criminal behavior is suspect.
I know many will suggest that exposing the problem will result in less priestly vocations—I think otherwise. If I were considering a call I would want to be part of the change—not the problem.
You know Gus, when we keep in mind Roman’s 8:28, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”, there’s hope in Christ. Even though his boys are fumbling the ball, time and time again, we have to TRUST that Christ has this all locked solidly in HIS grand plan of our Salvation. Though, you and I agree, that we cannot possible see how in the world is all this ‘stuff’ going to work towards the ‘good’… but that’s where trust comes in. As frustrating as all get out… at the end of the day, we have to take a deep breath and blow it out, and take a rest in God’s hands. Because at the end of the day, that’s the BEST place that all of this can be, my friend. Only HIS hands can do the miracles that our Church is in so desperate need of during these dark day. Speaking of dark days… This same Church has indeed indured far worse times. History has records of it’s dark past. I am not sure who said it, but there was a protestant who yelled out at a Catholic Cleric, “I am going to take down this Catholic Church! You just wait and see!” And the Cleric said, “Go ahead and try. We’ve been trying to take her down for 2000 years, and have yet to succeed!” Gus… the moral of this story is that those guys in the white funny collars aren’t really in charge of THIS Church. The HOLY SPIRIT has THAT JOB! PRAISE BE TO GOD! Now THAT’s GOOD NEWS, my Friend.
I am a counselor who has worked in the past years with survivors of sexual abuse. I am very sad to see the church repond in this way, as unfortunately I have witness the great pain that survivors experience in many cases devastating pain for the rest of their lives. In today’s program you gave a caller a book suggestion about our Chrurh fathers, I was not able to get the complete information, can you please send me the correct name. I have been encouraged by your radio prgram, as it has been very difficult for me to see the response of the church in the mists of this crisis! Very disheartening.
I understand the feelings out there. I think the real can of worms is the fact that the real problem is the homosexual portion. When the bishops come out and address this you will see the explosion inside and outside. The church will be crushed by the media, the people, the government. It will be called hate filled, and the real persecution will begin. I am not sure any of us are ready for it. But it will come. It has to to cleanse the church of the real problem. Apathy for the truth. Looking to comprise rather then fight for the truth.
Was listening to you in the car this morning. I think the bishops took the easy way out in their vote yesterday. They lack courage and fortitude. Seems like they do not want to rock the boat. How can I find out how my bishop – Anthony Taylor – voted?
Also you talked about withholding money – This weekend there will be a special collection for the bishops’ Human development fund which gives money to organizations that promote very-unCatholic things – abortion, gay rights, etc. I have a friend who plans to turn in her envelope with a note saying she will not give to them because of some of their donations. There are multiple “good organizations” they could give to. Two are the Franciscans Friars of the Renewal and Good Counsel. I will also not give to that fund although they will not miss my donation – I give to my parish.