Political realism and priests' prophetic role
Back in 2009, the African bishops held a synod that had as its theme, "The Church of Africa at the service of reconciliation, justice and peace." At its conclusion, the then reigning Pope Benedict XVI told the bishops to be realistic but not to be too political in doing their prophetic role in that aspect of African life.
It's obvious that the assembly was meant to tackle a tricky and delicate situation where the Church, especially the bishops and priests, have to know how to strike the balance between the spiritual and political dimensions of Christian life. I can just imagine how things were and continue to be in that volatile continent of Africa.
It's a situation similar to ours, and I suppose to many other places. That's why that piece of news immediately grabbed my attention then and continues to do so, since I would like to know exactly how the balance is made, what requirements and considerations are kept.
Especially now when we are celebrating the Jubilee Year of Mercy, and the clergy is agitated to sharpen the exercise of their prophetic role in social and political matters, clear guidelines from the Vatican would be most welcome and helpful.
We cannot deny the blatant fact that controversial interventions, confusing at the very least, by some of our ecclesiastical big shots in social and political issues have left many of us bewildered and even scandalized.
Many of the faithful have complained that some Church leaders are too condemnatory in their statements, with words and tone that are laced with a condescending know-it-all attitude and sarcasm.
They also observe that the leaders seem to speak more vociferously in areas where they do not have or have less competence, while almost being silent or weak in the media in questions they should be clear and loud about.
For example, a bishop told some priests in their retreat that contraceptives like condoms are ok as long as it is not abortifacient. Many were wondering what happened to Pope Paul's "Humanae Vitae" after listening to that "enlightenment."
Also, the irregularities within the Church structure give the impression Church officials are remiss in their duties as they stray into matters they should not be.
In short, people think these leaders only manage to embarrass the Church and religion in general in the eyes of the world. That's why there is also a growing fallout of the faithful.
In that address to the African bishops, the Pope Emeritus only hinted that the synod was successful in identifying the way to reach that balance, but no details were mentioned. I suppose we have to wait a little for the relevant document to come out. That should be very exciting!
Also the Pope pointed out the significance of a synod, saying that it is ¨a common journey,¨ referring to the truth that in serving God and men the Church has to go together, talk and discuss things together, especially to determine solutions and remedies to problems along the way. Beautiful idea!
Let's quote some lines of that address:
"The theme "Reconciliation, Justice and Peace" certainly implies a strong political dimension, even if it is obvious that reconciliation, justice and peace are not possible without a profound purification of the heart, without a renewal of thought, a "metanoia" ("conversion"), without a newness that must come precisely from the encounter with God.
"But even if this spiritual dimension is profound and fundamental, the political dimension is also very real, because without political realizations, these new things of the Spirit are not commonly realized.
"Thus, the temptation could have been to politicize the theme, to speak less of pastoral work and more about politics, with a competence that is not ours.
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