May Faithful Catholics Criticize Bishops Publicly?

[wapsi]

An ongoing and thorny question among Catholic journalists is just how to treat the bishops. Should they be criticized at all in the pages of a magazine or newspaper or on radio and television? Some Catholic publications seem to revel in “bishop bashing,” others offer more sober criticism, and still others allow none at all as a matter of editorial policy.

It’s certainly fine if a publication wants to exclude critical comment on bishops, but that shouldn’t be the standard for Catholic journalism. If it were then there would be no need for any publications other than diocesan newspapers.

To me, the real point tucked inside the question above is not whether bishops should be criticized at all in Catholic media. The question we should be asking is about what we in the media can properly criticize bishops. For example, if a bishop were caught stealing money from his diocese, no one would object to a journalist reporting it or the editorial page condemning it. This is common sense, both about journalism and about bishops.

insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3742&Itemid=48

The above article by Deal Hudson, was followed with a response by Francis X. Maier, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Denver and former editor of the National Catholic Register. It is worth considering before replying to the first article.
insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3745&Itemid=48

 

[Harmony1988]

I don’t think there is anything wrong with ‘criticizing’ a bishop, but I don’t like the word ‘criticize’ as that usual seems to imply something harsh.

And certainly no bashing. The problem should be addressed and an opinion as to why whatever the bishop said or did was wrong. Remember natural human instinct is to immediately get defensive if you probe too much. Rather if the ‘criticism’ was kept so that it seemed more like a discussion and a questioning it is likely to be solved.

Saying stuff like" the bishop today has been extremely ignorant, many people are angry and he should contemplate giving up his job and the vatican should hear about this, how dare he interfere bla bla" is not going to get anyone anywhere.

 

[RachelsAlumni]

any fraternal correction should be done

1. in private
2. by those entrusted with the responsibility to do so
3. with charity and respect for their office

 

[Harmony1988]

any fraternal correction should be done

1. in private
2. by those entrusted with the responsibility to do so
3. with charity and respect for their office

I’m interested to know are these actual decrees? If so that would mean many people have done the wrong thing.

I completely agree with the 3rd point and I think the first 1 point is probably the best instead of doing it publicly.

I’m not sure about the 2nd point, the entrustment of responsibility from whom? If it were the Vatican that would leave pretty much only them to deal with the bishops, the Vatican doesn’t give the public any orders on how to deal with bishops.

 

[RachelsAlumni]

I’m interested to know are these actual decrees? If so that would mean many people have done the wrong thing.

I completely agree with the 3rd point and I think the first 1 point is probably the best instead of doing it publicly.

I’m not sure about the 2nd point, the entrustment of responsibility from whom? If it were the Vatican that would leave pretty much only them to deal with the bishops, the Vatican doesn’t give the public any orders on how to deal with bishops.

No. They are just my opinion based on the tad bit of reading I’ve done.

As far as my point #2 the way I see it is that my Bishop is my Pastor or my spiritual father. As a spiritual child I should approach my Pastor with proper deference, the deference due my own father. If I have a criticism to offer it should be well within my knowledge, experience, and responsibility to offer. So that whatever advice or counsel I give should be based on my competency and experience.

Otherwise, it would be more like armchair quarterbacking or backseat driving if it’s something that’s outside my responsibility.

 

[Joseph]

As I understood it, this question has to do “criticism” within the media when reporting or commenting on events, not in undertaking corrective action of a bishop.

On a personal level, any such actions should be in private and done fraternally, within existing channels. On the other hand, individuals and parishes have an expectation of accountability within the church may insist upon it appropriately.

The reality in media is different.

I believe that it’s certainly valid to report on any actions of a bishop, who is acting either within the scope of his role or outside of it.

Our Church’s standing in this country is fairly unique. Our size and long history makes us open to all types of critism by those who have an issue with the church.

Our is also a moral and social institution. Any action by a priest or a bishop, whether appropriate or inappropriate, or in support of, or contrary to contemporary secular social norms is fodder for reporting. Unfortunately, the actions of one person often enough is reported to reflect on “the Church” as a whole.

Much has to do with the meaning of “criticism”. Criticism is a “judgment”, whether blatant or implied, of good/bad, right/wrong. It should have no place in reporting a news story. There is a place for it in media, however, in news analysis and commentaries. But when commentators express personal feelings of disdain for the subject of the reporting, then the “commentator” has stopped responsible commenting and crossed the line into bashing. This is self-indulgent and irresponsible, even if it brings in higher ratings.

I only ask that journalists, especially Catholic journalists, apply principles of good journalism which are consistent with professionalism and charity:

a. reporting the facts within proper their proper context. For readers uninformed about the church and its traditions, this may also mean including contextualizing points of education

b.the selection of news stories represent a range of events within the church, and that

c.commentary be fair and balanced (not just as advertised, but as done!)