‘Pray, pay and obey’
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Re “An age of change for Catholics?,” April 5
The Times is extremely naive if it assumes that a new generation of Catholic bishops will breathe fresh air into a church governed by the current Vatican gerontocracy.
The rules of popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI are rightfully characterized as restoration papacies -- a return to a medieval, authoritarian model of church governance.
This has led to a reversal of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, which fostered dialogue, collegiality and creativity.
Clerics are fearful of speaking out. Women have no access to leadership positions. The role of the faithful is to pray, pay and obey. And with few exceptions, newly appointed bishops will continue to be Vatican yes men.
Mark Day
Vista
The writer is a former editor and correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.
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