Thursday, May 31, 2012

Quote of the Day

. . . [T]here is a long-standing Catholic tradition of exercising a grumbling patience in relation to injustices within the church itself. This stands in stark contrast to the vigorous response of Catholic workers and activists to injustices in the wider community. Within the church there is a tendency to trust that the Spirit will work at its own pace and in its own time - usually slowly. It is an unusual and courageous priest or nun who stands up to address church authorities, crying; 'Hey, you can't do that!' in public. I imagine the reasons for this are complex: religious, ideological, political and probably often very personal.

Certainly to speak out may draw onerous sanctions, may threaten one's job security, housing security, financial security and social standing. One might be sacked and ousted, or shunted off to a disheartening gig in the middle of nowhere.

Many Catholics believe the old church is dying anyway and will eventually crumble into the mulch. But I fear our patience with that process can be a way of abnegating responsibility for the present, for the agonies, injustices and deaths being fostered by official church teachings and attitudes today. . . .

– Will Day
"Don't Tell the Cardinal"
Casey Weekly
May 28, 2012

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