Drew Christiansen | SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
“On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine” was newly edited and republished in 1961 on the eve of the Second Vatican Council and has since become a minor classic. It argues that the church does not consist of pastors attended by dutiful faithful, but that it is rather “a conspiracy of pastors and faithful” (pastorum et fidelium conspiratio) in which the faithful should have a respected place justified by their proven witness to Christian orthodoxy. In the bishops’ relationship with the laity, Newman argued, “there is something...which is not in the pastors alone.”
"Newman’s point was not to praise the one group and shame the other. It was rather to assert their importance to one another, to affirm their lived unity in the one body of Christ. In particular, he wanted to urge upon the hierarchy an intellectual as well as affective consideration for the laity..."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
When Pope Benedict canonizes St. John Newman in England this weekend, I hope he focuses on Newman's legacy-- that the Spirit of God speaks through the People of God. The magisterium's current prohibiton of women's ordination is a striking example of the hierarchy's failure to listen to the Sensus Fidelium! The equality of women in the church and world is the Voice of God in our time and it is enshrined in the hearts of the community of believers. Roman Catholic Womenpriests are meeting with enthusiasm in the Catholic communities that we serve and in those who are seeking women priests to serve their parishes. In Florida, this year, a woman called the local parish to find out when the woman priest was presiding at Mass! And the joy was the parish knew where to find her and shared the information with the inquirer! Can't you see the pastor scratching his head and sighing!! If it was up to some of the stressed out, overworked priests, they would welcome womanpriesst on staff.
Bridget Mary Meehan RCWP, sofiabmm@aol.com, 703-505-0004
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