Conferences of Catholic Bishops post Vat. 2

[TEPO]

Since Vatican 2 there has been an explosion of Catholic Conferences of Bishops, which seem to have developed in every nation on earth. Their roles are dependent upon the social climates of their nations, and although their missions are based on the same Catholic teachings, they are each unique in addressing the most imminent threats to building the Catholic “Culture of Life” in each of their very different societies.

To me, the conferences reflect Jesus in that similar to the time when Christ was here on earth, he spoke out as a moral leader claiming that his message came from “the Father”. The Catholic Bishops do just the same in their regions. They then work together unilaterally as a “conference” on a national scale. It’s very interesting development!

So what’s your opinion of the Conferences? See the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and compare their issues to our own. .
cbcn-ng.org/

I urge Catholics here to check out other Conferences and compare their struggles to both our own and with Catholic teaching as a whole. Also I would appreciate the sharing of any random knowledge about the Conferences. I enjoy learning new things. . You’re also welcome to share your opinions or concerns regarding the conferences whether negative or positive… I’m curious.

Thanks,
TEPO

 

[TEPO]

I found this to be an interesting statement from the Nigerian conference.

“Through the conference, the archbishops and bishops of the 54 ecclesiastical jurisdictions, as shepherds of souls in their archdioceses and dioceses, are able to pray together, study together, and work together; and with one voice, are able to speak and spearhead the teaching, prophetic and pastoral ministry of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.”
cbcn-ng.org/

…What caught my eye was how the Bishops state that when united within the Conference, they can speak prophetically. I’d like to know more about that.

 

[TEPO]

From the Canadian Conference…

“The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is the national assembly of the Bishops of Canada. It was founded in 1943 and officially recognized by the Holy See in 1948. After the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), it became part of a worldwide network of Episcopal Conferences, established in 1965, as an integral part of the life of the universal Church.”
cccb.ca/site/eng/

…so Canada must have been one of the originals then.

 

[TEPO]

Read this article on the dangers the Nigerian Bishops are up against… My prayers go out to them and that their government hears their appeals.

cbcn-ng.org/articledetail.php?tab=9

 

[Gorgias]

…What caught my eye was how the Bishops state that when united within the Conference, they can speak prophetically. I’d like to know more about that.

No, I don’t think that’s what they’re saying at all. First off, they’re saying that this charism belongs to the Catholic Church (which it does, in Nigeria and everywhere). Second, they’re really just making reference to the triple munera (priest, prophet, and king), which is completely legitimate.

 

[Corki]

From the Canadian Conference…

“The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is the national assembly of the Bishops of Canada. It was founded in 1943 and officially recognized by the Holy See in 1948. After the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), it became part of a worldwide network of Episcopal Conferences, established in 1965, as an integral part of the life of the universal Church.”
cccb.ca/site/eng/

…so Canada must have been one of the originals then.

The Bishops assembled in conference in the US as early as 1829. That’s how the Baltimore Catechism came to be.

 

[TEPO]

Here’s Something from the United States Conference that I’ve not noticed before… I believe this call for “cultural diversity” is something new…

“It calls in the first place for a recognition of the importance of culture as such for the life of every man and woman.”
usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/

…now what stumps me is that social teaching is usually geared towards public policy or for government leaders. So how should public policy work towards greater cultural diversity? I don’t get it.

(Also I remember this being a U.N. issue long before becoming a Catholic one)

 

[TEPO]

The Bishops assembled in conference in the US as early as 1829. That’s how the Baltimore Catechism came to be.

Good point, although the Plenary councils from that time were more like ‘synods’ which meant they were geared more towards teaching Catholics the doctrines of the Church. What we have today in the conferences seems to be based more on public policy issues geared toward creating a “Culture of Life”. The Culture of Life is: “a way of life based upon the theological truth that human life at all stages from conception through natural death is sacred.” en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_life