"But McElroy, Cupich, and Tobin have not proven themselves especially influential among their brother bishops. So while they will have the ear of Rome, the most outspoken American cardinals may find themselves going in one direction, with the majority of the American episcopate going in anothe…
"But McElroy, Cupich, and Tobin have not proven themselves especially influential among their brother bishops. So while they will have the ear of Rome, the most outspoken American cardinals may find themselves going in one direction, with the majority of the American episcopate going in another."
Pope Franics may be unifying the American bishops, all right -- AGAINST his special favorites. It's possible that he has alienated men who were on the fence. If h+McElroy is know bishop known for fighting with other bishops and making things difficult for them, how likely is it that any of them will welcome his elevation, even if they agree with or are neutral about his views? When you create a cabal, it alienates others not in it -- and by definition, hardly anyone is in it.
In the short term Francis may alienate the current US bishops, but Francis is trying to play a long game in remaking the US episcopate in the form of an abortion tolerant, gay marriage accepting group that will pursue immigration resettlement government contracts as a social services agency over preaching the gospel. Who cares if the pews are empty as long as the USCCB coffers are full of money that can be channeled to one's political allies?
My main concern (of several) comes from this:
"But McElroy, Cupich, and Tobin have not proven themselves especially influential among their brother bishops. So while they will have the ear of Rome, the most outspoken American cardinals may find themselves going in one direction, with the majority of the American episcopate going in another."
Pope Franics may be unifying the American bishops, all right -- AGAINST his special favorites. It's possible that he has alienated men who were on the fence. If h+McElroy is know bishop known for fighting with other bishops and making things difficult for them, how likely is it that any of them will welcome his elevation, even if they agree with or are neutral about his views? When you create a cabal, it alienates others not in it -- and by definition, hardly anyone is in it.
In the short term Francis may alienate the current US bishops, but Francis is trying to play a long game in remaking the US episcopate in the form of an abortion tolerant, gay marriage accepting group that will pursue immigration resettlement government contracts as a social services agency over preaching the gospel. Who cares if the pews are empty as long as the USCCB coffers are full of money that can be channeled to one's political allies?