Pope Francis warns US bishops against 'divisive' language

[Bubba_Switzler]

Pope Francis told U.S. bishops Wednesday they should avoid “harsh and divisive” language and create a church with the warmth of a “family fire,” as he laid out a vision for American Catholicism far from the defensive stands on social issues that have put church leaders at the center of the culture wars.

In remarks at a prayer service at Washington’s Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Francis told the bishops he was aware that “the field in which you sow is unyielding” and that there is a temptation “to think back on bygone times and to devise harsh responses to fierce opposition.”

But he urged the bishops to find ways to reach people “with the power and closeness of love” which he said “counts more than their positions, distant as they may be from what we hold as true and certain.”

“Harsh and divisive language does not befit the tongue of a pastor, it has no place in his heart,” Francis said. “Although it may momentarily seem to win the day, only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing.”

apnews.myway.com/article/20150923/us–pope-culture_wars-b9f4c09b79.html

 

[7_Sorrows]

good advice.

 

[Neofight]

Should be required reading for everyone contemplating posting on threads concerning Synods…as far too often the language on this Catholic forum is very divisive.

 

[bibcat]

Should be required reading for everyone contemplating posting on threads concerning Synods…as far too often the language on this Catholic forum is very divisive.

Agreed that there is a need for the carrot as well as the stick, but Francis’ visit in Cuba was all carrot and no stick, and I’m sure he’ll treat CINO’s like Joe Biden the same way, Sometimes a gentle prod (or a firm smack as the Castro brothers deserved) will go a long way.

 

[abucs]

The pope really needs to clarify what he considers harsh and divisive language and who he believes is doing that. Some might consider that he has used pretty harsh language to criticise abortion and attacks on the family.

The pope’s words only make sense from a position of strength.

The problem is that when you do not resist bad ideas you tend to find accommodation with them in your schools, universities, churches etc. and you lose many more people who walk away because you do not stand for anything, let alone for Christ. The article seems to suggest that Francis wants liberals back in the fold because the church is then more effective as a whole but then it says Francis has no plan or strategy other than telling those still around the family camp fire they are too harsh and divisive.

We have bent over backwards in decades past to be accommodating and our schools, universities, churches etc. end up not in a position of strength but in a confused state of weakness that shrink year after year. It is only relatively recently that the church has fought back via the media and courageous bishops.

In being accommodating we had caused many to walk away from he ‘family camp fire’ because on the one hand we did not stand for Christianity and on the other because people were persuaded to join something they were told was better.

Not being harsh and divisive is always good advice, especially when it comes from a position of strength where you have a clear idea of who you are. When you don’t then being accommodating and complicit simply means you will not stand for anything but instead be willing to give in to any well funded group who use the media to promote anti-Christian rhetoric, values and policies.

Being accommodating and complicit to the world are not the words of Christ.

He really needs to clarify what he means in his speeches. He also needs to acknowledge the source of the sustained attacks on the church over many decades and have a plan and strategy to resist efforts to de-Christianise the west that these people have sought. Saying that unspecified bishops who presumably have fought the good fight are harsh and divisive is weak, ambiguous and lacking context.

It seems to me the pope is portrayed too often to be loving and weak, ready to give into the world. He needs to express the character of being loving and strong, ready to promote the gospel of Christ against all attacks.

I very much doubt the family camp fire will grow unless such a fearless, loving attitude is expressed.

 

[abucs]

If a bishop comes out and announces that he is not a liberal, could that be viewed as divisive?

He really needs to be more clear in what he says. If he is being like St. Paul and being all things to all people he should understand that when he is talking to the liberal press his words are interpreted by them and spread throughout the world.

I like the warm approach the pope has made and his preference for love over conflict.

But why then does he feel the need to publicly attack un-named bishops who stand for Christ on his first visit to a country he has little experience of?

Some might also describe such behaviour as being harsh and divisive especially after he chose to be politically silent in Cuba.

 

[Maximilan_Kolbe]

Frankly, I consider those who promote tolerance without correction divisive, so one could take his advice a lot of different ways.

That is more divisive than simply being stern, to me. People can never be united in their goal to serve the Lord as He deigns if they are misled.