The Role of Bishops

[Fran65]

According to the Catechism, paragraph 1558

“Episcopal consecration confers, together with the office of sanctifying, also the offices of teaching and ruling. . . . In fact . . . by the imposition of hands and through the words of the consecration, the grace of the Holy Spirit is given, and a sacred character is impressed in such wise that **bishops, in an eminent and visible manner, take the place of Christ himself, teacher, shepherd, and priest, and act as his representative **(in Eius persona agant).” “By virtue, therefore, of the Holy Spirit who has been given to them, bishops have been constituted true and authentic teachers of the faith and have been made pontiffs and pastors.”

I would like comments as to what extent the Church can offer reconciliation and compassion to those in holy orders, and particularly Bishops who *appear *to behave in unwise and controversial ways. **Please do not give or use specific names or examples. **
I wish to discuss this as it is a challenge to many Catholics to defend or to continue in their faith when these issues are raised in public e.g. the media.

 

[Eucharisted]

The Church is a holy and merciful Mother, always offering reconcilation and compassion to her children. This is why even deacons, priests, and bishops get access to Confession.

 

[CradleCath]

According to the Catechism, paragraph 1558

I would like comments as to what extent the Church can offer reconciliation and compassion to those in holy orders, and particularly Bishops who *appear *to behave in unwise and controversial ways. Please do not give or use specific names or examples.
I wish to discuss this as it is a challenge to many Catholics to defend or to continue in their faith when these issues are raised in public e.g. the media.

That it is. It’s hard to defend some of the actions of some of our hierarchy. I respect your instruction about “not giving names or examples” & agree with it. So…I’ll simply say that I’m speaking of serious things that hit the news & I think that you are, too.

The Church, of course, is ALWAYS ready to forgive any sin & extend compassion to any sinner, whether he is a member of the laity or a Cardinal. However, the sinner needs to ask for forgiveness, to regret the behavior that brings scandal to the Church & makes many of us very uncomfortable. I have not seen this among many of the Bishops whose behavior is an embarrassment & sometimes leads people who are floundering in their faith, anyway…to give up & leave the Church.

I see no answer to your question because I’ve seen no acts of reparation. If I steal money, I have to replace it if at all possible, in order to receive absolution for this sin. I’ve seen very few public apologies given by erring members of the hierarchy.

 

[Fran65]

However, the sinner needs to ask for forgiveness, to regret the behavior that brings scandal to the Church & makes many of us very uncomfortable. I have not seen this among many of the Bishops whose behavior is an embarrassment & sometimes leads people who are floundering in their faith, anyway…to give up & leave the Church…
I see no answer to your question because I’ve seen no acts of reparation. … I’ve seen very few public apologies given by erring members of the hierarchy.

That is the difficulty I have.

The fact that some of these acts are public and committed by those who are public representatives of Christ means to me, that there should be a public expression of contrition and an explanation.

In the UK we have a Royal family. It used ot be the case that they felt they were above any explanation because of their position and that any public apology or explanation weakened their status and position. That is changing and it is a welcome and much needed change.