Survey results: the Pavone controversy

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Oct 07, 2011

Early this week we wrapped up an informal survey in which we asked Catholic Culture readers about their perception of the controversy involving Father Pavone and Priests for Life. Among the readers who responded:

• 12.7% chose: “Father Pavone is an effective pro-life leader; his bishop should not curtail his activities.”
• 42.3% chose: “Bishop Zurek has legitimate reason to exert control over Priests for Life; Father Pavone should not resist his authority.”
• 45.0% chose: “The claims and counter-claims are puzzling. I’d like to see the real facts sorted out.”

The survey—which is not intended to be a scientific sampling—suggests that most of our readers are not persuaded by the complaints that Bishop Zurek acted arbitrarily when he called Father Pavone back to the Amarillo diocese. While some pro-life activists charge that the bishop is trying to stifle an outspoken opponent of abortion, 42.3% of our readers think that the bishop has good reason for his concern about the leadership of Priests for Life, and another 45% are open to that possibility.

If Father Pavone is involved in a showdown with his bishop, it is significant that only about one-eighth of our readers are prepared to line up on his side. That result is particularly noteworthy, I think, because I feel confident that any survey on the abortion issue would show an overwhelming support for the pro-life position among Catholic Culture readers. (Maybe that will be a topic for another future survey!)

For more on the Pavone controversy, see:

• storm clouds over Amarillo (Off the Record, 8/18/2008)
• Father Pavone suspended from Priests for Life leadership (Catholic World News, 9/13)
• Father Pavone appeals to Vatican (Catholic World News, 9/14)
• Father Pavone to seek new diocese, bishop extends inquiry; group will picket parishes (Catholic World News, 9/15)
• L'Affaire Pavone (On the Culture, 9/16)
• Father Pavone's last stand (On the News, 9/21)
• Father Pavone to meet with Bishop Zurek on October 13 (Catholic World News, 10/6)

_____________________________________

This week we’ve inaugurated a new informal survey , asking what readers whether they see the “Arab Spring” uprisings as a positive development in the Middle East or an unfortunate opportunity for radical Islam. Have you entered your opinion?