The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) voted 96 to 82 to name Kansas City Archbishop Joseph Naumann Chairman of the Pro-life Committee, winning out against Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago.
Typically, the progressive partisans within the Body of Christ interpret the vote as a “pushback" against Pope Francis' agenda for the Church, as American Catholic Bishops appeared to bring with their customary practice in electing a decidely conservative Archbishop to lead a committee which for four decades has been headed by a Cardinal.
Liberal-leaning Catholic pundits suggest that the American Bishops are sending a message to Rome that they do not share Pope Francis' vision for the Church.
Neo-conservative reactionaries have voiced concern (nothing seems ever to console these poor souls) that Archbishop Naumann’s slight margin of victory suggest that there is growing support for Pope Francis among the USCCB members.
Personally, I support neither the liberal nor neo-conservative interpretation of the vote.
Instead, I look elsewhere to determine where the USCCB members stand in relation to the Holy See. In that searh, I find other dynamics which are more telling and disquieting.
Immigration it appears has become the single most prominent issue of concern and attention by the Bishops. Even so, the leadership of the Conference did not display a sense of urgency in addressing the matter.
During the immigration discussion, Michael Sheehan, Archbishop-emeritus of Santa Fe, New Mexico, asked if the Conference might issue a statement of support for immigrants during the course of the plenary session.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the Conference, responded by noting that such a proposal was not on the agenda schedule for this General Assembly. His Eminence suggested that, instead of rushing ahead with such a move, perhaps he could issue a statement on behalf of the entire USCCB at a later time.
Members went on to listen to and discuss the same tired issues which have been the focus of the USCCB for decades, concerns that seem to have been taken from the platform of the National Democratic Party rather than the Deposit of Faith. Gun control, health care, tax reform, global warning. Oh my!
Pope Francis has challenged the Church, specifically regional and national Conferences of Bishops, to adopt a mature and responsible attitude regarding the mission of the Church to introduce and invite the world to the Mercy of Christ.
The Pope has been crystal clear that the Church for too long has been out of sync and out of touch with real life issues which Christians as well as non-believers confront on a daily basis.
The Holy Father has called upon Bishops to exercise the collegial role (primarily through the policies they adopt in their regional and national Conferences) which they must accept in responding to the pastoral needs of those entrusted to their care.
The USCCB is completely oblivious to Pope Francis’ call to action.
Such a lack of awareness of the Holy Father’s invitation to return to the ancient “synodal” model of Church teaching and governance by the USCCB members is disturbing.
This year’s General Assembly will produce a mountain of paperwork and perpetuate entrenched bureaucratic lethargy in fulfilling the primary mission of the Church: to bring wounded souls to the Merciful Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Holy Father’s enthusiasm in calling all Bishops to exercise the apostolic ministry which is properly theirs is commendable.
Unfortunately, the USCCB seems incapable and willfully reluctant to receive and accept this responsibility.
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