Chris McDonnell, UK
christymac733@gmail.com

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March 30
We look after ourselves  

If we were to read an article in the Catholic press with the word 'clericalism' in its title we would immediately relate it to an understanding of priest and bishop and, more than likely in recent years, in a pejorative manner. However I have just finished a book that offers a different perspective on the word, a much broader and insightful vision than the usually accepted appreciation. Entitled 'Clericalism: the death of priesthood' the work of an American Jesuit, George Wilson, it is extremely readable and informative, offering a wide ranging vision that is both fresh and valuable. I would like to share some of it with you this Easter weekend.  

When we talk of the 'clergy' as a group we are likely to be referring to those ordained as priest or bishop. Wilson suggests that "clergy" is 'a sociological term that names the fact that society recognises a certain segment of its members as having recognizable social features and norms that distinguish them from the rest of society' So it is perfectly logical to speak of a clergy of the law, a clergy of academics, a clergy of medics and many other such groups. Each behaves within a particular culture and each is recognised as having specialist attributes that allow membership.

 That is an important point for each grouping has a value in our society that depends on recognition by those who are not members, the 'laity' who are not doctors, engineers or teachers. There is an interdependence that cannot be avoided.

And there is a clear need that each talks to the other, exchanging views and informing positions.

 When we come to discuss the clergy of priesthood, confusion of language can give rise to many problems for if there is not a clear understanding between this 'clergy' and the 'laity' who are not in the clergy grouping, difficulties will surely arise.

 Trust can only be built on experience of reality and trust has been severely shaken in recent years. How do we repair the damage done to the Church, how do walk again this pilgrimage road together?

 I would suggest following Wilson's text that it is not about them and us. Too easily (and understandably) the laity have laid the blame on the clergy that is ordained when in fact if we recognise that membership of the Church is inclusive, those not ordained need to ask a few questions of their own behaviour - how did we let this happen? And what finally brought the abuse scandal to the public domain? When honesty overcame acquiescence and talking began.

 Partly it was due to the cult of reverence for the clergy of the ordained. They were trusted without hesitation for who they were, their membership of this social group. In the same way, teachers, youth leaders and other clergies were given freedom to act because no-one thought to challenge their integrity. So the 'laity' have a share in the failure of some 'clergies' by their own implicit trust. At the same time we need to examine the manner in which our seminaries prepare those seeking ordination. 'Any seminary that does not disabuse its students of the self-evaluation involved in pretending to such omnicompetence is seriously failing the priestly community'

 It is this division that needs be repaired and an understanding that within the Church, our Church we are not groups in opposition but are moving towards a common goal. "a certain theology may emphasize that priests act in the person of Christ, but if that is not balanced by the reality of their woundedness it becomes a dangerous ideology leading straight to the clericalism we have been trying to understand"

 Leadership in any group or community has to be earned by personal action and explicit intent. A leader should be recognised by the group for who he or she is and in turn confer their respect and value for the group they lead. Wilson comments that ' In the present superior-inferior clericalization that mars the face of the priestly people, the laity are seen-and have allowed themselves to be seen-as the recipients of the good services of their pastoral ministers rather than as peer collaborators in the single mission of the Christian community.'

 Within the limitations of this column, it has only been possible to make a brief exploration of one aspect of Wilson's book. It is a valuable contribution to an important discussion that is long overdue. Relationships are a complex matter. We need to approach each other with an awareness of their delicacy.

 I would urge you to obtain a copy, read it and share it with others.

 Clericalism: the death of priesthood George B Wilson sj Liturgical Press.

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