Catholicism is not a democracy...

... but does that mean that all secrecy among bishops is necessary and good? Terry Mattingly talks to Russell Shaw about that and related questions.

Comments

[Ed Peters]

Okay, well, too much to comment on here, so I limit myself to a small, but not insignifcant, point. When the priest made an obscene gesture to a married couple, he forfeited any right to keep that action private (not that there was much of a right to begin with, but you see my point: he did it in front of two or more witnesses). From then on, that story should always be told with the priest's name included, in BOLD CAPS for that matter. Else, there is no chance of him learning (and perhas apologizing), and others learning, from the incident. The story need not be told with rancor or moralizing, but simply related, and let the facts speak for themselves. If the priest apologizes, the story can be dropped.

[A Fine Mess]

What Ed Peters suggests, publishing the name of the priest is very interesting. What I may take with me is that the next time I confront a priest will either be in writing or I will take someone with me. Or maybe a hidden video camera....hmm..just joking slightly.