I have considered for some time that there might be some use in creating a web sight devoted to keeping track of our bishops here in the U.S.
There public statements, and their faithfulness to the magisterium.
Does anyone think that such a site would be of any value to rome.
Maybe it is too much huberus though.
How could you make something like this fair.
Fishman
I think your idea would be very divisive.
The bishops are the leaders in our hierarchical church. That is the way things are.
Your post reminds me of the agreement:
CUIUS REGIO ILLIUS ET RELIGIO. Whose district it is, his religion it is. (Principle of Church affiliation agreed to by Charles V and the Lutherans in 1555 at the Peace of Augsburg.)
Thus, if your idea was adopted, if one is liberal one can go to eg Boston or if conservative to eg St Louiis.
Please consider my post about schisms in the Church.
God bless,
Noelfitz
fishman:
I agree that there needs to be greater accountability at all levels of the Church. There are websites were you can find listings of dissident theologians/teachers -- I find nothing wrong with a similar listing on "wolves" dressed as "shepherds".
A word of caution though: Don't post anything until it has been confirmed through multiple credible sources (one blog post does not a dissident make!) and try to contact the bishop's office to let them give their side. I also wouldn't limit it to bishops -- there are many religious orders/houses that are in direct conflict with the Church's teachings.
Until we as laity begin to hold our leaders accountable (in doctrine, liturgy, and financially) we shouldn't expect renewal and reform.
Troymartz
I am afraid I disagree with you, but welcome your post.
We are slowly getting back to discussions.
Even in early times the importance of loyalty and obedience to bishops was stresed, e.g. St Ignatius wrote to the Smyreans in about 110
" You must all follow the bishop, as Jesus Christ followed the Father... Let no one do anything that has to do with the church without the bishop. ... Wherever the bishop appears, there let the congregation be; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic church. ... It is good to acknowledge God and the bishop. The one who honors the bishop has been honored by God; the one who does anything without the bishop’s knowledge serves the devil." (Michael William Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers : Greek Texts and English Translations, Updated ed., (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1999)).
God bless,
Noelfitz.
well, I think visibility and accountability are important. I also agree with noel that publically chastising bishops is not only questionable. I'd go as far as to say it is sinful. private theologians who are not priest are a completely different story.
Still, is there something that could be done. A place data could be collected. What about a compilation of writings and statments by various bishops with jno udgment made of it publically at least. but some kind of a hidden index that when it got to a certain point would trigger a report to the vatican. Not really sure. seems to complex, too easily abused and still ... morally questionable.
My original post was primarily to stimulate discussion in case you are wondering.
Fishman:
I'm with Noel on this... Bishops may do many things with which the laity disagree but which falls within the realm of their prudential judgement. Unless you have a whopper from one of our shepherds, I would say that your effort is better spent in prayer for them rather than tracking their individual words.
In Christ,
Michael
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Rock Solid with Mark Shea: April 14, 2008 - Confirmation: Piety and Knowledge