What about Oakland?

[Usbek_de_Perse]

The news that Salvatore Cordileone has been named Archbishop of San Francisco brings out a disturbing question: Will the Diocese of Oakland continue to be a proving ground for future archbishops of prominent cities. Cordileone was brought to Oakland when Vigneron was made Abp of Detroit. Now Cordileone will be Abp of San Francisco (each after only a few years in Oakland). Will the next Bishop of Oakland also be “in training”?

Will Oakland ever get a bishop as dedicated to the diocese as Bishop John Cummins, 2nd bishop of Oakland, who retired in 2003 or 2004? Oakland had just two bishops between 1960 and 2003. It has had two more in just 8 or 9 years.

Having a diocese server as a springboard to higher office is, to my mind, poor pastoral policy.

I’m not a Catholic, but I am a resident of the territory covered by the Oakland diocese and I follow Catholic matters there with interest.

 

[Elizabeth502]

John Cummins served as bishop for many years (1977-2003), as did Floyd Begin before him (1962-77). Then it was Allen Vigneron, from '03-'09, just before Cordileone.

Bishops are assigned where they are needed. There are plenty of changes elsewhere in the country, too, because of shifting needs. I think you’ll find that Oakland doesn’t have an unusual history in this regard, and actually Cummins has served as a stabilizer even after his appointment. He is now Emeritus and has filled in and supplemented during transitions and new appointments. He told me in person once --when I happened to be attending an event in which he was present – that he actually is not interested in “going into retirement.”

 

[po18guy]

The news that Salvatore Cordileone has been named Archbishop of San Francisco brings out a disturbing question: Will the Diocese of Oakland continue to be a proving ground for future archbishops of prominent cities. Cordileone was brought to Oakland when Vigneron was made Abp of Detroit. Now Cordileone will be Abp of San Francisco (each after only a few years in Oakland). Will the next Bishop of Oakland also be “in training”?

Will Oakland ever get a bishop as dedicated to the diocese as Bishop John Cummins, 2nd bishop of Oakland, who retired in 2003 or 2004? Oakland had just two bishops between 1960 and 2003. It has had two more in just 8 or 9 years.

Having a diocese server as a springboard to higher office is, to my mind, poor pastoral policy.

I’m not a Catholic, but I am a resident of the territory covered by the Oakland diocese and I follow Catholic matters there with interest.

I think that all Bishops are in training, and are moved about, just as Paul and Barnabas were. There is a risk of them going stale if left in place to long. Not an assurance, only a risk.

 

[Usbek_de_Perse]

I actually met Floyd Begin once (I was a golf caddy at Claremont Country Club where he played). I also spent an hour with John Cummins, discussing, among other things, a mutual friend.

Perhaps his long tenure is just a rarity, but Oakland needs a shepherd who will love and nurture her. The Vatican should find a permanent bishop for Oakland.

John Cummins served as bishop for many years (1977-2003), as did Floyd Begin before him (1962-77). Then it was Allen Vigneron, from '03-'09, just before Cordileone.

Bishops are assigned where they are needed. There are plenty of changes elsewhere in the country, too, because of shifting needs. I think you’ll find that Oakland doesn’t have an unusual history in this regard, and actually Cummins has served as a stabilizer even after his appointment. He is now Emeritus and has filled in and supplemented during transitions and new appointments. He told me in person once --when I happened to be attending an event in which he was present – that he actually is not interested in “going into retirement.”

 

[LilyM]

Yours, mine and half the dioceses out there. Take a number and get in line

Harsh but nonetheless it’s the truth.

 

[tafan]

I think that all Bishops are in training, and are moved about, just as Paul and Barnabas were. There is a risk of them going stale if left in place to long. Not an assurance, only a risk.

natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives2/1999c/073099/073099i.htm

As above article show, it should not be the norm. I can understand, in this day Nd age. Why Rome does this sort of thing; but we need to return to training Bishops in the diocese he will serve

 

[Usbek_de_Perse]

In addition to the article quoted, see the following link that shows how translating bishops was against Canon XVI of the council of Nicea. Also to be noted that the Coptic Church, in it’s list of candidates to be Pope, has mainly non-diocesan bishops and priests. The Kate Shenouda IIII had been a non-diocesan bishop when elected Pope in 1974.

http://orthodoxchurchfathers.com/fathers/npnf214/npnf2120.htm

natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives2/1999c/073099/073099i.htm

As above article show, it should not be the norm. I can understand, in this day Nd age. Why Rome does this sort of thing; but we need to return to training Bishops in the diocese he will serve