Bp. Sean gets a bum rap

Over the weekend, an AP story portrayed Boston’s Abp. Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., as having apologized “to women” for a blanket condemnation of feminism (although he didn’t really make one). Also, it portrayed him as backtracking on his (correct) observance of liturgical law at the Holy Thursday Lord’s Supper liturgy, where he washed the feet of twelve men, in recollection of the Apostles.
Within minutes, the Internet started to whine with morose comments about the bishop’s new spinelessness, but the whines turned out to be unjustified, since as usual, the secular press got it wrong.
What he really said, while explanatory and conciliatory, wasn’t an apology: if anything, it was a gentle defense of his words and actions, and very appropriate.
OK, I’m a little disquieted at the Archbishop’s suggestion that he will seek a “clarification” about the footwashing rule, as such a promise encourages the disgruntled to keep their demands alive; but I expect that Rome will confirm the discipline currently prescribed.