I am an ecumenically-minded fellow, but this first reflection for the New Year (which I originally thought I would post on Epiphany) is directed to my Roman Catholic brothers and sisters….
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Reviewing the past year and looking forward to 2015, I see seven key action projects for contemporary Catholics:
(1) Keeping the pope in perspective: Francis, the current Bishop of Rome, appears to be a genuine and friendly fellow, and an outspoken leader with some keen pastoral sensitivities. Let’s not however make the old mistake of making the pope – superstar or not — the center of our Faith. Our inspiration, and the foundation for our Faith, is Jesus of Nazareth not the Bishop of Rome. Papal superstars come and go. Christian life, witness, and ministry, however, are the responsibility of all in the church.
(2) Change is a fact of life: We live in a time of gigantic global migrations and cultural shifts. Some speak fearfully about a clash of civilizations. Cultural change, questioning, and temporary cultural estrangement are unavoidable. Let’s not see this as terrible and frightening but challenging and hopeful. The ways in which we understand both God and the church move in dialogue with ongoing changes in human culture, our changing knowledge, and our expanding consciousness. In any event — no matter how hard the fundamentalists try to convince people otherwise — there really is no turning back. We are all on a new journey…..and we are all travellers and explorers.
(3) Sexism is sin: Rush Limbaugh, known for his somewhat comic and always conservative proclamations, has warned of those who are working today to “chickify” contemporary society. What he means is that radical feminists are taking control of society and the media and subverting and subjugating men. I don’t think so. Sexism in civil society and in the church remains as strong as ever. It is unjust and inhumane and of course unchristian. We don’t need a “theology of women.” We need a theology, an attitude, and a language that are all inclusive. You and I must make it happen.
(4) Ignorance is not bliss: In our church, and especially in our ordained leadership, there is great historical and biblical ignorance. Together let us seek good and correct information. Let’s insist on theological updating and continuing education for our bishops and educators. Let us think critically and ask the critical questions. And……may we do this without demeaning the other; but never flinching either from challenging those who make ignorant and sometimes stupid church pronouncements. No one has all the truth. Together we must all be truth-seekers.
(5) Human sexuality: Perhaps it comes, in part, from a centuries-old tradition of having ordained ministers who are officially celibate. Nevertheless, the official Roman Catholic understanding and official Roman Catholic teaching about human sexuality – in it’s great variety of forms and expressions – is terribly medieval. Change here will come slowly; but it will not come at all, unless we all challenge ignorance and protest the institutional sin and hypocrisy that allow sexual ignorance and discrimination as well as sexual abuse to continue unchallenged.
(6) Prophetic church movements: Around the world there are a great number of prophetic church movements, many inspired and animated by prophetic ordained women. They deserve our recognition and support. They not only belong to the Church of Christ but may indeed be its best hope for the future.
(7) God-seekers: Most importantly, ever mindful of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, let us be God-seekers: explorers of the Divine and creative interpreters of the Divine who in words, symbols, and songs can speak about God’s presence in human life. The number of God-seekers is growing among those who are “spiritual but not religious.” Their journey is our journey as well.
We have some exciting projects ahead of us……..
Lovely.
Happy New Year Laura!
Dear Jack,
Once again you have provided inspiration and spiritual food for thought. Your words have given me a hopeful vision of this future year and, perhaps, the rest of my life to come. Peace!
You are very kind Frank! Warmest regards and every good wish for you and Johnny in the new year. (Sorry for misspelling..) My consolation in all of this is that we are not alone and our best traveling companion is God however one wishes to portray her.
I do hope to see you again when Joske or I am back in BC.
Jack
I support the action projects you list. I would add one focusing on actions related to the saving of God’s creation and promoting a more balanced economy to help middle class and poor, issues that Pope Francis is highlighting for all Catholics. Peace!
A very big Amen Louis!
Thanks, Jack. I found that really inspiring. Your comments are succinct and meaningful.
Thanks Jerry…and every good wish for you and your ministry in the coming year.
I am grateful for having found your blog in 2014 Jack, as it has been a great counter-point to all of the ultra-conservative Catholic Media out there (Ave Maria Radio, ETWN and the like) that seems bent on turning the Church back to the Middle Ages. Between voices such as yours and a Pope that at least seems to be more interested in the flock than in the dogma, maybe the tide will truly be turning in the Church.
Best Regards,
– Steve Albert
Thanks Steve! Let’s work in the new year to make it happen!
From your lips to God’s ear, Jack. A very Happy New Year to all.
Happy New Year Betty and many very kind regards!
A smallish comment on a largish expression. Sexism in the church is not, I believe, relieved nor helped by calling it “medieval.” It is deeper (cf. Islam), and needs to be dealt with more radically than considering it a leftover from a previous age. Catherine of Siena, Teresa, Hildegard, and others in “medieval” times serve to remind us that at any age, women can puncture the “male ceiling by what they actually do—and that it does mean that we have sources to improve this blot of history. (I have always liked Henry Adams’ take on women as deities/false “pedestaling” in his Mont St. Michel and Chartres–a very prescient essay. and mention it to suggest directions to go in dealing with this issue.)
My observation was that the current official Roman Catholic understanding and teaching about human sexuality is medieval. I never said sexism is medieval…..although it was strongly present in the medieval church. Accuracy is important as well.
Thanks you for the accur-izing reply; I do rcommend to everyone the Henry Adams’ book. His views on the sexes are worthwhile, whether there or in his observations on “the Virgin” in his autobiography.
Thanks for another inspiring article. Best wishes to the new year.
I would like to know if you have an opinion on the six propositions which brother Alois made during the Taize youth meeting in Prague?
http://taize.fr/en_article17412.html
I am in complete agreement with Brother Alois.
Thanks for your response to my blog.
As a world institution, the Catholic Church has tremendous impact in the world. Your points, when acted on, move it toward fulfilling its true mission, bringing god consciousness to more of humanity so people can express it out into the world fully. Keep up the good fight! The other major religions need to do the same. We all drink from the same spiritual well, just use different classes. Each day more people realize this and we move forward. The process is painfully slow however it moves as fast as it can.
Thanks Dave!