Defeat in Dallas

By Diogenes ( articles ) | May 02, 2003

"It appears that I will probably be moved ... For the good of the diocese, I would like to see this situation resolved. I would expect Bishop Grahmann to feel the same way."

Today's Dallas Morning News carries an extraordinary article about the impasse in the Diocese of Dallas between coadjutor Bishop Joseph Galante and the incumbent Bishop Charles Grahmann. Grahmann's refusal to cooperate with his successor-designate has resulted in a virtual collapse of diocesan leadership and brought matters to a stalemate. Grahmann's petulant defiance of the Holy See is surprising. His success at defying the Holy See is more surprising still. But what is astounding, given the Holy See's -- and the U.S. bishops' -- extreme concern for maintaining the appearance of episcopal unity, is the frankness with which Galante has admitted defeat. Stay tuned.