Australian Bishops Stir the Pot

Two Australian Catholic bishops are making calls for a “new” Church. The first one, Geoffery Robinson, wants to change Church teaching on Papal authority and sexuality (in other words the Pope won’t let people “have any fun”). The other, Pat Powers, wants to have a discussion on ending celibacy and ordaining women. Bishop Powers claims the laity want these changes. I’m sure many do. It’s times like this that I’m grateful the Catholic Church is not a democracy and that there are higher authorities than chattering laity and also checks and balances against aging bishops. Mind you, I’m not against having an honest discussion on these issues. I’m convinced that sound Catholic theology based on Scripture and tradition would easily win the day. However, in all my years of theological training and practice, “having a discussion” usually means “keep listening until you see it my way.” The Church does not need that kind of discussion.

This entry was posted on August 26, 2007 at 1:46 pm and is filed under Catholic, General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “Australian Bishops Stir the Pot”

  1. NiceneHobbit Says:
    August 26, 2007 at 2:04 pm

    My burning question is: Why are these jackasses in mitres not being defrocked and excommunicated? Honest to God…has the Church totally wimped out! It is disgusting.
    I’ll tell you…a lot of this foolishness would stop IF the good, orthodox believers would 1) withhold ALL tithes and offerings until the Church cracks down hard on dissenters 2) treat these radicals with the contempt due them 3) and, if need be, physically lock them out of their cathedrals, toss them out of their episcopal residences, and otherwise harangue and harass them. Enough is bloody enough!

  2. A Simple Sinner Says:
    August 26, 2007 at 5:48 pm

    Please note, one is an auxillary bishop, the other retired.

    With any luck, the auxillary will remain the “spare” and the retiree will find something better to do with all of his idle time.

  3. stlouismb Says:
    August 26, 2007 at 7:40 pm

    nh, I suggested the same thing in-reverse a few years ago. Withhold tithes from reactionaries and their “cronies”. I am still careful with my donations to make certain they are not used for building bigger episcopal residences, unneeded “shrines” and legal expenses for sex-abuse cases and avoiding responsibilities related thereto.

    However I think defrocking, excommunication, contempt, locking-out, tossing-out, harassment and haranguing is inappropriate regardless of their “leanings” (radical or reactionary).

  4. NiceneHobbit Says:
    August 26, 2007 at 11:34 pm

    stlouis,
    You think defrocking and excommunication, harassment and haraguing is harsh? St. Athanasius flogged heretics! People like these bishops we’re discussing are causing great harm to the Gospel, to weak souls, and the Church generally. Their positions have ceased to be Catholic…therefore, they should leave (or be forced out of) the Church. I’m sure the Episcocrappian heretics would love to have them.

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