When Bishops Usurp the Laity’s Role: Now THAT is Clericalism!

Editor’s Comment: One of my objections to the Bishops Lenten Appeal is that it supports the Virginia Catholic Conference, a lobby group that continuously takes “Catholic positions” on prudential moral issues. Is opposition to uranium mining really an issue that the bishops’ have any expertise on AT ALL? Of course not! But they tell Virginia Catholics to come along to Richmond and push their questionable opinions on climate change, immigration, the death penalty, and a whole host of other prudential issues. Phil Lawler’s article raises the same questions I have often posed about the role of our bishops which is to teach, govern, and sanctify. Ironically, while sticking their noses in all sorts of things that are NOT their business, many bishops irresponsibly neglect what IS their business. If your bishops have a lobby group, there is something wrong! Ironically, many of the lay-run lobby groups defend intrinsic moral issues that the bishops treat with a ho-hum or even an enabling wink. It’s time to stop! Thumbs up to Phil Lawler!

A STATEMENT THE TENNESSEE BISHOPS SHOULDN’T HAVE MADE