Don’t worry, it won’t ever actually happen…
Nor do I envy anyone who has to take on such a responsibility!
[Disclaimer: This is not a condemnation of Pope Francis. I do not know what he knows. I am not in his position. I am not the one to judge the Pope. I readily admit these are ideas from the outside looking in, and coming from a pretty inexperienced young priest at that.]
But, here are some ideas I think people would welcome in response to the crisis of trust we now face. Maybe they are a bit radical. I have the luxury of speaking in this way from a position of no real authority. That means there’s not really much risk in making these suggestions. I can’t enact them. I don’t advise the people who do. I may one day regret having said this publicly. Still, they strike me as apropos to the crisis. Maybe they will inspire the laity regarding what kind of response they ought to agitate for from within the hierarchy. I think this strikes a healthy balance between lay accountability and episcopal authority, between transparency and the legitimate need for secrecy (see esp. 3rd Decree).
I would issue a letter expressing sorrow – something similar to the Pope’s expressing – but with the following decrees, effective immediately:
1st Decree: Cardinal Donald Wuerl’s letter of resignation is accepted, effective immediately, but without prejudice towards an admission of guilt.
That is, his resignation is not intended to signal complicity, even though the media will see it that way. Regardless of whether or not he is innocent of wrongdoing (and I actually think he’s done nothing criminal), he no longer has the trust and credibility needed in a position of such leadership. Besides, he is already past the age of retirement. He would retain his position as a Cardinal and be free to defend himself in court. If he wants to help, he needs to get out of the way, even if it costs him his good name (which he does have a right to defend). The Lord knows the truth and it is a kind of martyrdom to suffer unjustly, especially if it means allows a greater good. Cardinals wear red not because it’s pretty, but because it signals a willingness to die a martyr.
2nd Decree: Any known associates of Theodore McCarrick are to submit themselves to a thorough investigation by a delegate chosen by the Holy See.
N.B. This would probably be Archbishop Scicluna, who dug up some real dirt in the Chile crisis. This should include: those well-known to be his closest friends; those who were in a position to advise him; those in a position to promote him; those known to receive his favor and patronage. Again, the demands of justice towards each of these men are to be born in mind so as to avoid slander or undue detraction.
3rd Decree: Every Ecclesiastical Province in the United States is to undergo a review, carrying the authority of the Holy See, of all personnel files, including the secret files, according to the following procedure:
Step 1: The entire presbyterate, active and retired, of each province is to vote on a bishop within their province deemed worthy of carrying out such an investigation. In those provinces containing exceptionally large dioceses (more than one million Catholics), the presbyterate should vote on one bishop per 1 million Catholics. The Bishop(s) will investigate another province, not the one in which he currently serves.
Step 2: The chosen bishop is to appoint a committee of no less than three mature and respected Catholic laity, among whom must be included at least one father and one mother. These laity are to undergo immediate background checks. The bishop must also appoint a canon lawyer, preferably a cleric himself, who is of good character and reputation. The committee’s total membership, including the bishop, should be kept at an odd number. These committees are to be placed under the pontifical secret.
Step 3: The chosen bishop, with his lay committee, is to review all personnel files in the province assigned to him, including all secret files, that pertain to any failures in chastity.
3-1: Provinces containing exceptionally large dioceses will be assigned more than one Bishop w/ lay committee.
Step 4: The committees, as they review each cleric’s file, are to vote on whether additional disciplinary action should taken and whether the files must be released to the public. Each committee member is to bear in mind the demands of justice both to alleged victims and to the cleric himself so as to avoid slander or undue detraction. If there is a simple majority to reveal it, the Papal Secret will be lifted in that matter and that matter only.
N.B. The point of this is to rebuild trust. It really is unwise to make everything public, but it will go a long way to know that at least someone from the outside has seen the files and agreed that everything that needs to be made known is made known.
4th Decree: From this day forward, any cleric who seriously violates his promise of chaste celibacy will be given only a single chance to repent, demonstrate reform, and return to his clerical position. Further violations will result in an immediate process of permanent removal from the clerical state. He will also be handed over to the proper civic authorities.
A bishop retains the right to pursue laicization even for a single violation. A “serious violation” will be defined as willingly engaging in homosexual or heterosexual intercourse (including oral stimulation) with anyone for any reason.
5th Decree: All adult Catholics in good health in the United States, and especially the clergy are to observe a day of prayer, fasting, and attendance at Mass on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Bishops will set an example by performing a public act of penance on that day.
Accounting for the varying demands of health and circumstance, bishops should consider: prolonged periods of kneeling in prayer, the wearing of sackcloth, a barefoot procession, the carrying of a particularly heavy cross for a considerable distance or some other visible action that accords with the spirit of true reparation. This is not necessarily an admission of guilt, but an acknowledgement that, as shepherds of Christ’s Church, they are called to pray and sacrifice for the flock above and beyond the demands of the ordinary Christian. Catholics are asked to retain proper respect for the office of Bishop even as they witness the humbling penances of those who hold it.
6th Decree: From this day forward, for the Latin Rite, the only acceptable titles for clergy will be: Deacon, Father, (Arch)Bishop, and Pope.
All honorary and imperial titles such as Monsignor, Excellency, Eminence, and Holiness will be suppressed. This is for the good of the men who hold the office. While we must honor the offices, we must also honor the humanity of their holders and the need for them to be reminded of the real purpose for their office. Thus, the titles that are to remain in use are those with direct historical connection to their purpose: Deacon as in servant. Father as in one who brings spiritual life to others. Bishop as in one who oversee. Pope as in Papa, a spiritual father. Cardinals will no longer be called “princes of the Church.” They can be indirectly identified as “Cardinal (Arch)Bishop” for the sake of official clarity, but they shall become accustomed to be directly addressed as “Father” or “Bishop” without reference to their status as Cardinal.
I’m sure there’s more that could be suggested. I’m sure there are plenty of difficulties with what I’ve said. Still, I pray it contributes to answering this question: Just what would it take for the Church to regain credibility without violating a proper understanding of Church authority?
Thoughts? Comment below. Share. Discuss.