Chris
McDonnell, UK
christymac733@gmail.com
Previous articles by Chris Comments
welcome here
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.
END
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