This is perhaps among the most difficult tasks I have had to perform in recent days.
Anyone who know me knows that I am the staunchest among those who defend Priests. They are my Brothers. All my life, I have known and been associated with truly dedicated Servants of the Lord Jesus. Men of integrity and grace. Men among whom I am humbled to be counted.
I recently wrote an article in praise of our Parish Pastors and Associates on account of whom I believe the faithful continue to have allegiance and commitment to their local parish.
And yet, my Brothers disappoint me.
Where are they? Where are their voices?
Lord knows, I fully appreciate the courage it requires for a Priest to call his Bishop to accountability. From personal experience, I know how isolating that can be, how alone and powerless it feels to confront the Bishop and demand that he be faithful to his Office.
Are there no courageous Priests left?
Again, I know of cases where Priests who were whistleblowers themselves or who challenged their Bishop were demoted, in some cases, driven from active ministry.
Yet, are there no Priests out there who are willing to call their Bishops to task?
The laity, even the secular press, have been more laudable in their bold and brave demands to have the Bishops come clean with the abuse scandal and respond to it with integrity and grace.
Our Priests need to join that company, loudly, bravely and boldly.
Promising our Shepherds obedience and respect doesn’t mean exchanging that promise for moral rightness or personal integrity.
My Brothers need to raise their individual and collective voices in condemnation of what we know and in insistence that what we don’t know be answered candidly and honestly.
Thus far, my Brothers have failed to do so and I find that very difficult, even embarrassing, to admit.
I empathize with all their misgivings, doubt and fear, yet call upon them to overcome those concerns and be leaders in the purification of the Church and its leadership.
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