Unity by division

By Domenico Bettinelli, Jr. ( articles - email ) | Apr 09, 2003

Catholic Charities in Boston has decided to defy Bishop Richard Lennon and accept a donation from Voice of the Faithful. It is not the first time they have defied the order by their local ordinary not to accept a gift from VOTF. What is the bishop's response? Will he fire the board members? Will he demand obedience to Holy Mother Church? Will he denounce the wilful defiance of the unity of Christ as symbolized by the bishop's office?

"One of my primary efforts as apostolic administrator has been to work toward ending division and fostering unity within the Archdiocese of Boston," Lennon said. "In light of this, I am disappointed that Catholic Charities has decided to accept money from the Voice of Compassion fund. However, in keeping with this stated goal, I will not take any steps at this time regarding their decision."

What we get is a politician's version of compromise. How exactly does it help unity to allow an institution connected to the Church to defy the bishop's order? There is no point now in the bishop giving any order to anyone when we see that he can be defied without consequence. This is not the unity for which Christ prayed at the Last Supper.