Liberal Australian bishop threatens resignation
March 08, 2011
An outspoken Australian bishop has said that he might resign his post because of dissatisfaction with Church teaching.
Bishop Pat Power, an auxiliary in the Canberra archdiocese, said that he is dismayed by the direction of the Church, which he sees as pulling back from the reforms promised by Vatican II. At the age of 69 he is still 5 years short of mandatory retirement, but Bishop Power said that he might submit his resignation nevertheless.
Last year Bishop Power called for "total systematic reform" of the Catholic Church, including a reconsideration of "the authoritarian nature of the Church, compulsory celibacy for the clergy, the participation of women in the Church, the teaching on sexuality in all aspects." He has called for an end to clerical celibacy and an open discussion of women's ordination.
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Further information:
- Catholic bishop Pat Power considering resignation (Herald Sun)
- Australian bishop calls for ‘total systemic reform,’ says celibacy discipline should end (CWN 4/27/10)
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Posted by: aclune9083 -
Mar. 09, 2011 2:00 PM ET USA
Power should go where others of like mind reside: one of the Protest-ant churches.
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Posted by: DCpa -
Mar. 09, 2011 11:52 AM ET USA
The man has now publicly proclaimed his own separation from the doctrine of the Church. He has no right to exercise any authority as an overseer of the flock. I will be upset if he REMAINS!
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Posted by: -
Mar. 09, 2011 10:47 AM ET USA
Well, if ever there was a threat I wished to be carried through, this is it. Now, more than ever, we need bishops who are faithful and unwavering in their adherence to the clear and consistent teaching of the Church. That said, Bishop Power, whether we like it or not, is a successor of the Apostles, and we should pray that he will repent and conform his teaching to that of the Universal Church.
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
Mar. 09, 2011 10:29 AM ET USA
The most personal integrity displayed by a liberal cleric in years! May it lead to further reflection on exactly who and what Bishop Power actually is. He is anointed as Alter Christus; let us pray for him.
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Posted by: mhains8491 -
Mar. 09, 2011 6:46 AM ET USA
Indeed this would be a blessing to the Church here in Australia.
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Posted by: -
Mar. 09, 2011 5:26 AM ET USA
Resignation? Sounds like a win-win solution to me! Indeed, it would only be basic integrity: to be a key official in an organization concerning which one rejects the key premiss--that it is Divinely guided regarding teachings concerning faith and morals--is to be a fraud.
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Mar. 09, 2011 12:08 AM ET USA
At age 69,it seems Bishop Power is looking for a way out and blaming the Church for not doing it his way is a good excuse. What a sad life he must have had.
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Posted by: polish.pinecone4371 -
Mar. 08, 2011 9:15 PM ET USA
This is a threat? And the punishment is.....? Actually, the alternative -- him remaining -- is even more threatening! One wonders if his vision of more women's participation in the Church would involve something like Anthony Esolen's vision: "'Just consecrate them hosts, fella,' says the pious Madame, crushing her Marlboro into the thurible, 'and don’t let the door hit you on your way out.'" We will pray for you, Bishop Power, to make the right decision -- and soon.
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Posted by: Obregon -
Mar. 08, 2011 8:20 PM ET USA
My message to the bishop? Don't let the door hit your butt on your way out. Jesus suffered Judas, the Holy Father suffers this type of bishop today!
