MINNESOTA
Duluth News Tribune
By The Rev. William C. Graham on Dec 11, 2015
The approaching end of the year and the shortened days make it seem to some folks that the end days are upon us, that all things are collapsing, and that the world is about to end. The recent horrific events in San Bernardino, Colorado Springs and Paris certainly heighten our fear, as do the Beirut bombings and the downing of the Russian civilian jetliner.
Violent and unexpected death, injury, suffering and terrorism all have captured the attention of people everywhere, and we see how fragile our civilization is, how delicate the balance of our peace is, and how vulnerable we are to the forces of evil.
In our day, in our own nation, the Catholic Church is reeling still from the effects of its own crisis; and, locally, it seems very clear that Catholic bishops will be spending a lot of time in court in the next years, seeking to settle legal cases involving priests and victims who, for the most part, are unknown to them. The number of court cases pending against Catholic dioceses in Minnesota is staggering, and it seems likely every Minnesota diocese could be in bankruptcy before the cases are resolved (“Diocese of Duluth files for bankruptcy,” Dec. 8).
Catholics and all people of good will share the devastating effects of this crisis. First, we mourn with all of those who have suffered as victims. We want to see justice done, healing promoted and charity fulfilled.
We must also be aware of and acknowledge the anger that many people feel, and their disappointment, too. Our pews in America are emptying not because people disbelieve the gospel but because we the Church have not been effective and holy stewards to inspire hope and confidence among the people of God.
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