M
Maranatha
Guest
Church’s path reflected in fate of bishops
McCarrick tried to quiet a controversy last summer over whether dissenting Catholic politicians are worthy of Communion, saying he doesn’t like confrontation.
Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput has gained a reputation as an engaging, articulate and stern shepherd who believes real Catholics should “act Catholic,” follow the church and take their faith proudly into the public square.
Chaput gained national notice for boldly stating that Catholic politicians who advocate for legalized abortion - a conflict with church teaching - should refrain from Communion, the central sacrament of Catholicism. As 262 U.S. Catholic bishops on Saturday concluded their first business meeting since the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the 74-year-old McCarrick left uncertain whether the Holy Father would immediately accept the resignation McCarrick must tender when he reaches retirement age next month. There’s a chance McCarrick could be asked to serve a few more years.
Chaput, 60, is fending off speculation that his heightened profile as a strong traditionalist voice might propel him to a more prominent job and perhaps to a cardinal’s red hat.
The contrasts between the two men - one in the twilight of his career, the other ascending - are emblematic of a shift in the makeup of the nation’s Catholic bishops, a change that began several years ago and will likely accelerate under the new papacy. An older generation of leaders with a strong penchant for peace and social work is giving way to a younger, more conservative band of bishops more intent on focusing inward: shoring up the church by boosting Mass attendance and priestly vocations. The latter view is the one advanced by Pope Benedict XVI.
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McCarrick tried to quiet a controversy last summer over whether dissenting Catholic politicians are worthy of Communion, saying he doesn’t like confrontation.
Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput has gained a reputation as an engaging, articulate and stern shepherd who believes real Catholics should “act Catholic,” follow the church and take their faith proudly into the public square.
Chaput gained national notice for boldly stating that Catholic politicians who advocate for legalized abortion - a conflict with church teaching - should refrain from Communion, the central sacrament of Catholicism. As 262 U.S. Catholic bishops on Saturday concluded their first business meeting since the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the 74-year-old McCarrick left uncertain whether the Holy Father would immediately accept the resignation McCarrick must tender when he reaches retirement age next month. There’s a chance McCarrick could be asked to serve a few more years.
Chaput, 60, is fending off speculation that his heightened profile as a strong traditionalist voice might propel him to a more prominent job and perhaps to a cardinal’s red hat.
The contrasts between the two men - one in the twilight of his career, the other ascending - are emblematic of a shift in the makeup of the nation’s Catholic bishops, a change that began several years ago and will likely accelerate under the new papacy. An older generation of leaders with a strong penchant for peace and social work is giving way to a younger, more conservative band of bishops more intent on focusing inward: shoring up the church by boosting Mass attendance and priestly vocations. The latter view is the one advanced by Pope Benedict XVI.
more
