Bishop Edward Braxton

 


According to this report, 45 priests in the Belleville Diocese (60% of the total) have released a statement calling on Bishop Braxton to resign. It seems that this was a long simmering dispute that reached a head with the disclosure of the Bishop's improper expenditures of late.

The statement says in part "(b)ecause of the Bishop’s lack of cooperation, consultation, accountability and transparency, it is the judgment of a great number of the presbyterate that he has lost his moral authority to lead and govern our Diocese."

Do I understand this correctly? These priests have their cassocks in a bundle because the Bishop has hurt their feelings?

This is wrong on so many levels. For instance, the call for the Bishop's resignation comes during LENT, a time of reconciliation.

But here's the bigger problem. Every modern day Pope has made it a point to stress to priests the importance of two virtues: humility and obedience. Humility is hard work for everyone, but priests especially. Think of the enormous power of a priest. Without priests, their can be no consecration of the Eucharist and therefore no physical presence of the Real Christ on earth. Without priest, no absolution of sins through reconciliation. No priests, no absolution of sins for the sick and dying. Humililty must be especially difficult for a priest. Drawing media attention to themselves, their profound thoughts, and their superior judgement flies in the face of the whole humiliation thing, don't you think?

Priests aren't ordained for themselves but rather, for others (like you and me). They also have to WORK with others, and that includes the other priests united within the Church hierarchy. Bishops must be obedient also. A priest is obliged to submit his free will to the Bishop UNLESS the Bishop is not obeying the Vicar of Christ. As far as I can tell, Bishop Braxton has not disobeyed his superiors.

These priests need to reconsider their choices, and pray for humility and obedience. And we should join them in that prayer.