Right or Correct?
I was recently invited to comment on a news article that criticises the upcoming Plenary Council in 2020 and its untimely response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Terry Fewtrell urges Australian Catholics to “arise from their slumber” and join in a pressuring and shaming of Church leadership. My response questioned the ‘correctness’ of this commentary and I later reflected on the ‘rightness’ of my reply.
In comparison to the response from Cricket Australia into ball tampering, the Catholic Church does seem to be lagging in the public relations domain. As a recently ‘initiated’ cricket umpire, I’ve received almost daily reports from James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia. Sutherland has apologised, kept us abreast of actions being taken and also acknowledged that this sort of behaviour is against the spirit of the game. This communication has provided a refreshingly transparent insight into the process, thinking and outcomes of this incident. Whilst is important to note the distinction between sexual abuse and sporting scandals, particularly regarding the sensitive nature and upholding the dignity of those involved, the Church may learn something from the clear direction and leadership of Sutherland.
Some have questioned if all the fuss over scuffing a ball is necessary, but Cricket Australia clearly understands what is at stake when its leadership makes such an error in judgment. Integrity. Perhaps this is at the heart of Fewtrell’s article and aligned voices of Concerned Catholics.
My initial response to the article follows: “Terry seems somewhat hypocritical by suggesting 'we Catholics' should be less ashamed about our church and on the other hand he suggests the solution is to shame the Bishops into action. His point, which is obviously a typo, 'they must fact the difficult issues' is rather poignant, because gathering facts and facing the issues is a timely process. Terry doesn't explain to his readers the full extent of the plenary which covers a huge number of areas, not just the hot topics of clericalism, abuse and married priests. His critical analysis of Pope Francis's synodal approach is weak and only points to the length of time it takes to be consultative as a negative. What is the alternative? Rush through, push our own agenda in favour of the politically charged issues, ignore the large majority and then have to repeat the process again every four years? I don't think the church concerns herself with cosmetic surgery and a quick fix when they realise that open heart surgery is needed.”
It is rare that I publicly buy into discussions of these nature, particularly on social media, but on this occasion I made an exception because I noticed the glaringly obvious omission of facts. It concerned me that Fewtrell’s article missed the broader issues at stake for the Church in Australia, take the growing number of “nones” for example. In a recent interview with the Catholic Leader, Mr Vitek said “Church leaders will guess they reject the doctrines of the Church, they don’t feel welcome, the sexual abuse scandal… These tend to be the top three reasons adults guess but they are the lowest three reasons that young people leave. The number one reason, and again this is a gross generalisation, is they simply don’t see it as necessary… They just don’t see it as necessary for them, not necessary for them to be happy or live a fulfilled life,” he said. They’re quite culturally affected pragmatists” (full article here).
This is just one of many topics that will hopefully fill the agenda of the 2020 Plenary Council and I felt compelled to make this point in light of the criticisms listed by Fewtrell. However, I later found myself suffering from ‘post post’ anxiety, had I inadvertently aligned myself with the conservative right, in my correction and challenge?
As I read articles, listen to Catholics and consider homilies, I’m intrigued by the variety of opinion, diversity of belief and universality of the Church. I’m influenced by those who concern themselves with the extreme left and speak for the voiceless and at the same time I appreciate those who understand, know and promote the traditions and Traditions of the Church. As an employee of a Catholic School and Director of Faith Formation, I constantly appraise my stance on issues of homelessness, married priests, participation of women, response to abuse and so on. I hope to lead from the middle ground; listening to the prophets (like Terry) and embracing the truth, beauty and goodness of our rich heritage.
