Diocesan spokesman undercuts Florida bishop’s message on foot washing?
March 30, 2010
Prompting anger from feminists, including an “ordained” woman, Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice reaffirmed in a letter to diocesan priests that the washing of feet on Holy Thursday is reserved to “chosen men.”
Diocesan spokesman Bob Reddy, however, said that Bishop Dewane did not intend for priests to obey the liturgical norm.
“It does not tell them they have to use men only, this week or ever,” said Reddy, who also serves as editor of The Florida Catholic. “It's just saying, priests want to know what the rules are, this is what the rules are.”
“This letter is not saying they can't,” Reddy added. “He said, if I wanted only men, I would state 'therefore, I want only men.'”
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Further information:
- A gender debate on foot washing (Sarasota Herald Tribune)
- Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, Florida Decrees: No Women May Have Feet Washed at Liturgy of Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday (Bridget Mary’s Blog)
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Mar. 30, 2010 7:06 AM ET USA
In a related issue, I wrote a letter to my neighbors that the belongings in my home are reserved to “those who live there.” However, my wife said that I did not intend for my neighbors to obey it. “His letter does not tell them they have to refrain from stealing, this week or ever,” she said to our newspaper. “It's just saying, hey neighbors, this is what the rules are.” “His letter is not saying they can't,” she added. “He said, if I wanted no stealing, I would state 'therefore, no stealing.'”
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Posted by: -
Mar. 30, 2010 5:47 AM ET USA
I intend to attend the liturgy with clean feet. There. Problem solved for one girl, at least.
