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Outgoing bishop takes swipe at Vatican
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One of the Catholic Church’s most outspoken and loved leaders has encouraged his fellow clergy to keep the pressure on the Vatican to reform, as he prepares to retire.
Father Pat Power has resigned after more than 25 years as the bishop of Canberra and Goulburn.
He has become known as one of the church’s more progressive leaders, questioning the need for priests to be celibate and for women to be excluded from senior roles.
Father Power says the sexual abuse scandals have diminished the authority of the church and warns that unless there is reform, parishes will continue to shrink.
“There’s been the whole question of sexual abuse, which has brought a terrible stain on the life of the church,” he said.
“But I think there’s wider reform that’s needed there and my great sadness is the fact that the second Vatican Council gave us the pathway, I think, for the church to be more accommodated to bring the message of Christ to the modern world. [More]
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20 Comments
the churches should look the way of supporting small churches like this grown up churches in south sudan
I’ve met Bp Pat Power several times. He is truly a humble and gracious man. He is patient in listening and empathic. I easily see Jesus in him. I do not easily see Jesus in the hierarchy in the Vatican. What I do see there is just so narcissistic that I shake my head.
Well, Francis, maybe you and Bishop Powers should leave the Church you can’t stand and start your own. We’re trying to get rid of the bad apples in the Church, like heretic Farley.
I could see that, Francis: you, Power, Farley, and Concerned, Ruthann, Recovering Catholic, Tony, and Hanging On By My Fingernails — wow, you have at least eight people in your church already. Please start it and leave us alone. You’ll be leaving the narcissists, and will be able to see much more clearly the face of Jesus in your new church.
Stay with us Franncis, we are the church, the people of God, we will tell our story togethrt in the peace and Joy of the Lord. Stay with us Fracis, Nd Recovering, and concerned and hanging. All are welcome in our Church,saint and sinner alike.
Yes, Tony, all are welcome in your new church. Best wishes.
The article is somewhat misleading as Fr Pat was an auxilliary bishop not “The bishop of Canberra Goulbourn”. It does not detract from what he says but it is best that his role be clear.
Well, of course Ron, despicable ABC ran that story, so you can’t expect anything but propaganda.
Fr. Pat Power will be missed as an outspoken beacon of hope for reform in the church. Thank you Bishop for being someone who cares more about the real message of God than for power, prestige and selfish ambition. Other Bishops could learn a great deal from you.
Mary, the man-made Church teachings have changed in our Church’s history. The ordination of women is NOT Church dogma nor doctrine. I know; I’m a Theologian. What CANNOT CHANGE is Gospel Values! …and yes, we know how a pope is selected, but reading from/about courageous leaders like Bishop Pat gives one hope. Also, the ‘rule’ of who can be pope is ANY Roman Catholic man – doesn’t have to be ordained. Look it up!
And to Tony and Recovering Catholic: Yes!
The only thing that seems as if it CANNOT CHANGE is the bigotry of the men in control of the church.
Recovering — you are so irrational. Since you hate the Church so much, why don’t you leave it and leave us be in peace? I’m very happy to be fully in the Church you can’t stand. What I can’t stand are complaining babies like you.
It’s always amusing when comments are made by people who are clueless about how a Pope is selected or teachings that CANNOT CHANGE; such as the ordination of women.
You are mistaken Mary – the teaching about women can change. It is not a divine law. The Pope has the ability to change that rule at any time. And the College of Cardinals could in fact select Fr. Pat Power to be the next Pope when that time comes.
Well, Concerned, Jesus purposefully chose ONLY MEN to be in leadership roles — and Scripture explicitly forbids women to teach. Why don’t you go construct your own “sacred book” and start your own church? You’d have at least one member: yourself; and your church would last almost as long as you live.
And, here’s the really good news, Concerned: you could elevate yourself to the hierarchy of your church! Now, you’ll finally have what you want.
Pat Power should be called out of retirement to be Pope.
After listening to this interview, I agree. This is the kind of open-minded, person in touch with reality who should be pope. The only thing in the interview that bothered me was he didn’t go far enough in giving his full support to the ordination of women. He mentioned only high positions in the church.
Catholics everywhere should start a “Draft Pat Power” movement and get someone into that office of the papacy who is empathetic and truly understands the people.
Well, Hanging, whay don’t you take your own advice, draft him to be your pope, and then split from us faithful Catholics? We’d appreciate that. Leave, rotten apple.