The Archdiocese of Cologne has an attractive Advent calendar on the web. Here’s today’s entry:
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Too much good. God is radiant. He shares with us. He shines around us. |
But we’re afraid of him. We don’t know how to interpret him. To take in the good. After all, who can. Mistrust runs deep in us. Better to give more than we take. We want to be on the safe side, and have some good. |
With God the rules are different. We’re still learning them. Be not afraid. –Mechthild Hüsch |
The ranters and ravers calling daily for Cardinal Law’s resignation — from VOTF to 45 diocesan priests (out of 900) to Mark Shea — seem to have forgotten that the Vatican doesn’t jump to respond to public pressure. And while all this hub-bub is new to Americans, it’s old hat to Rome, because they went through similar pressure campaigns a few years ago from the German and Austrian “We Are Church” movement. And in that case Rome did then what it’s doing now: a bishop accused personally of sexual misconduct resigned, and otherwise… not much happened all that quickly.
Readers of John Mallon’s Media Watch will not want to miss his recent appearance on local TV news (RealPlayer required) commenting on the clash of styles between the bishops and Gov. Keating’s committee.
While protest turnout (12/8) failed to meet expectations, archdiocesan spokesman Donna Morrissey confirmed that the Cardinal was at the Vatican. Speculation proceeds as to whether he’s asking permission to declare bankruptcy (and simplify the awarding of damages to abuse victims) or to step down.
Globe:
Yesterday, a group of Boston priests began circulating a draft letter calling on Law to resign. In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Globe, the priests would praise Law for his many positive contributions to Boston, but say ”the events of recent months and, in particular, of these last few days, make it clear to us that your position as our bishop is so compromised that it is no longer possible for you to exercise the spiritual leadership required for the church of Boston.” A priest who is helping to circulate the letter said that the group hopes to gather 50 signatures before delivering the letter to Law. Some priests are reluctant to support the letter either because of fear or because they believe it is inappropriate.
Reuters:
While several priests have individually urged Law to step down, no group of clerics had yet done so. Stephen Pope, chair of the Theology Department at Boston College, a Jesuit university, has said that any collective call by priests for Law to resign would signal “open revolt” in the archdiocese.
It appears there was a wave of removals from 1992-1994, and another batch from 2000-2002. Draw your own conclusions.
