BishopAccountability.org
	A Need for Fresh Thinking By Fr Paddy Byrne The Nationalist August 26 2010 http://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/tabId/392/itemId/4190/A-need-for-fresh-thinking.aspx IT IS now five months since the resignation of Bishop Jim Moriarty has been accepted by Pope Benedict; a resignation that has gained considerable respect and praise. Bishop Jim resigned because he felt he did not challenge the prevailing culture when he was an auxiliary in the Dublin Diocese. A culture we now know, in light of the Murphy Report, that covered up, remained silent and struggled to believe and effectively deal with the shocking reality of clerical child sexual abuse. His resignation is a prophetic action and greatly challenges Pope Benedict’s decision not to accept similar responses by two other auxiliary bishops who belonged to a similar culture. The story is told of the late Archbishop John Charles McQuaid’s return to Dublin after some major deliberations in Rome during the Second Vatican Council, a council that certainly tried to re-establish the Church as a more Christ-like living body that communicated compassion and hope to the modern world. McQuaid was invited by a journalist to articulate the new vision. His response: “No change”. In light of our search for a dynamic, faith-filled and compassionate new bishop to lead a diocese that needs radical reform, I find myself somewhat cynical and deeply frustrated by the “no change” mentality that continues to govern in Rome. There is a fundamental need for fresh, progressive and more authentic leadership in our Church. This begins at the top of a hierarchical pyramid that belongs to the MiddleAges and has no place in a Gospel-missioned Church, fuelled by the Holy Spirit. The process of selecting our new bishop again belongs to the culture and mentality of “no change.” As a priest in the diocese, I have no confidence in a process that is secretive, non-consultative and greatly imbalanced. The reality is Rome decides who our next bishop will be. A fundamental in that selection is the “safe pair of hands” mentality. Being loyal to dysfunctional structures is always rewarded. The safe pair of hands is perhaps why there is such a lack of creativity and vision in our Irish Church at present. Secret letters to and from the Papal Nuncio, regarding possible candidates for our new bishop, is a very disturbing reality that needs to be challenged. A document listing an appraisal of our diocese, and detailing some of the characteristics that would be necessary in our new bishop, has been drawn. However, in truth, regarding the culture of secret letters and private confidential communication, I believe that this PR exercise means nothing to the tall hats in Rome. The hands of Jesus Christ are never safe and comfortable. His hands deliberately embraced a cross that brings with it a solidarity and fundamental mission to the poor and downtrodden. The leadership model of Jesus Christ is fuelled by service and love. Jesus courageously challenges debilitating structures that choke the vibrancy of good people who long for new life and hope. This is not a time for safe hands. I earnestly pray that the Spirit of God will breathe new life to the men in Rome. Now is a time that they throw away their tall hats and get their hands dirty in the business of Gospel service, in the name of Jesus.
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