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Outline compiled by Richard Taylor (VOTF-GP) of
“COUNSEL AND CONSENT AS CHRISTIAN VIRTUES: FIVE PROPOSALS FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH”
which was prepared and presented by Voice of the Faithful in the Diocese of Bridgeport, 2004
PREAMBLE 1. VOTF a. Origin in “crisis of priestly sexual abuse and the attendant failure of episcopal leadership.” b. 1st two VOTF goals clear, but what’s meant by “structural change”? c. Bridgeport VOTF offers specific proposals for structural change 1) Purpose: Initiate dialogue, conversation, debate among bishop, clergy, people in pews. 2) Not written in stone. 2. Church governance a. Founded on Roman imperial tradition – distrust of populace, only the “best” people should rule. b. Present form: “Rule by a self-perpetuating oligarchy of male celibate clerics.” 3. Counsel and consent of the faithful a. Church must recover this ancient tradition. St. Cyprian quote. b. C&C are both Christian virtues and two foundational principles of modern democracy. c. C&C should be given “whenever any substantive change in governance is undertaken.” d. Mechanism to obtain C&C? 1) Elected representatives from people, priests, religious. 2) Returns to earlier tradition – medieval canon lawyers, governance of religious communities. 3) May require changes in canon law, which has changed over the years. e. Five proposals (I, II, III, IV and V below)
I. THE ELECTION OF BISHOPS BY THE FAITHFUL OF THE DIOCESE From earliest times and for most of Church history, clergy and people have chosen own bishops (though specific details of the process are not clearly known).
A. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW 1. Examples a. Election of Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26) b. Selection of “assistants” (later, deacons) (Acts 6:1-6) c. Other examples from the early Church up to the 19th Century.
B. THE APPOINTMENT OF BISHOPS IN THE CODE OF CANON LAW Up to bishops and Pope. Clergy and laity have no role.
C. A PROPOSAL FOR A RETURN TO LOCAL EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS Proposed procedure: 1. Preparatory steps (including inviting laity to submit candidates’ names). 2. The Election of the Bishop (including synod attended by elected representatives, secret ballot)
II. THE ROLE OF THE FAITHFUL IN THE SELECTION OF THEIR PASTORS Pastor is shepherd of parish. Clerical sexual abuse —> imperative the people be fully informed of priests’ background and participate in process of choosing them. “Parishioners have an absolute right to know who is the person entrusted with their spiritual care.”
Proposed procedure: 1. Announcement of vacancy. 2. Priests interested in the position submit applications to bishop 3. Parish Council prepares profile of the parish and statement concerning qualities essential in pastor. 4. Visitation of parish by prospective pastor. 5. Interview of prospective pastor, having before them priest’s complete application and personnel file. 6. Consent by parish, appointment by bishop. 7. Term limits and procedure for removal.
III. DIOCESAN PASTORAL AND FINANCE COUNCILS Both are essential to having the laity’s voice heard in church governance.
A. A DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL Elected by the whole body of the faithful. Idea affirmed by Vatican II. Code of Canon Law encourages it. Limits: Only consultative, bishops appoints it and convenes it at his discretion (but at least once a year).
Proposed procedure (based on Counsel and Consent and to avoid mere window dressing) 1. Elected, representative Council. Elected by own constituents, e.g., priests by priests, laity by laity. 2. Representation from all vicariates. 3. Lay majority. 4. Meetings and agenda. 5. Meet under bishop’s presidency, but be deliberative, not just consultative. 6. One rep., one vote. 7. Have own constitution.
B. A DIOCESAN FINANCE COUNCIL If the laity are to trust that their contributions are being used wisely, must have voice. F.C. mandated by Code of Canon Law. 1. Elected by laity, representative 2. Constitution and By-Laws. 3. Authority (including publishing financial reports)
IV. PASTORAL AND FINANCE COUNCILS IN EVERY PARISH Vatican II recommends for every parish.
A. A PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL 1. Mandated, not optional 2. Elected, representative 3. No appointment by pastor. 4. Real authority and responsibility.
B. A PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL Affirmed by Code of Canon Law. 1. Mandatory, not optional 2. Elected, representative 3. No appointment by pastor. 4. Real authority and responsibility.
V. THE RIGHT OF THE FAITHFUL TO THE OWNERSHIP OF CHURCH PROPERTY Currently, the people of the parish have no say in the disposition of parish property.
Procedure outlined below may require changes in civil law.
A. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW What led up to current arrangement of 2 basic forms of ownership: 1. Corporation Sole (bishop as sole owner of property) 2. Parish Corporation (made up of bishop, vicar general, pastor, 2 lay trustees nominated by pastor).
B. A PROPOSAL FOR OWNERSHIP BY THE FAITHFUL 1. Formation of a Parish Corporation (members: bishop, pastor, parishioners – 1st 2 are ex officio) 2. Parishioners elect officers. 3. Rights of the Corporation 4. Dissolution of the Corporation (if parish no longer viable – parishioners have right to dissolve)
Diocesan property (exclusive of parishes): Same procedure as above
CONCLUSION A way to make real what the laity have been urged: “This is our Church,” “Take responsibility for it,” “Have a sense of ownership.”
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Posted January 21, 2005 |