Polemic in the Church

by Editor · March 4, 2009

When Pope Benedict decried what he called �polemics� in the discourse within the Church, he might have been considering his own exasperations after decisions made by him, or in his name, caused public agitation and sniping within the hierarchy.

Two recent cases caused a simultaneous international furore: the lifting of the excommunication of the ultra-traditionalist Holocaust-denier Bishop Richard Williamson and the appointment as auxiliary bishop of Linz, Austria, of Fr Gerhard Wagner, who believes that the hurricane which destroyed New Orleans was an act of divine retribution.

While both decisions were signed off by the pope, the lapses in judgment evidently occurred elsewhere � and even within the Vatican, fingers were quickly pointed to the responsible parties. The usually self-possessed Vatican spokesman, Fr Federico Lombardi SJ, fingered Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos and others, implying that it was their job to vet the credentials of the four bishops whose excommunications were lifted. Indeed, a quick Google check (never mind the Church�s wide human network) might have revealed Bishop Williamson�s troubling views. This was no error in communications, but in prudence � and it exposed Pope Benedict to a line of criticism he does not merit.

Fr Wagner has now asked the Vatican to withdraw his episcopal nomination after a vote of no confidence by the senior clergy of Linz (accompanied, it is rumoured, by a nudge from the pope and Austria�s bishops). It is astonishing that of the three names on the terna � the list of candidates for an episcopal appointment sent to the Holy See � his might have been considered the most promising. Either those involved in the selection of Fr Wagner failed to conduct a thorough background check, or they thought Fr Wagner�s absurd views are appropriate for a bishop. Either way, the public blame is directed at Pope Benedict, who most likely knew nothing about the views of Fr Wagner or Bishop Williamson.

It is not surprising that those inclined towards such theories whisper about a campaign within the curia to undermine Pope Benedict. But the pope evidently does not believe there is anything sinister behind the recent missteps. When he raised the subject of polemic, he might well have told the critics, within the curia and outside, to state their discontent quietly and privately. Whatever the subtext of the pope�s remarks, all in the Church are well-advised to take to heart his appeal that Catholics remain united in faith and love.

Addressing Roman seminarians, Pope Benedict referred to St Paul�s caution to Galatian Christians not to �go on biting and devouring one another� but to be guided by the Holy Spirit. He added: �We see clearly that today, too, there are similar situations where, instead of joining in communion with Christ, in the body of Christ which is the Church, each one wants to be superior to the other and with intellectual arrogance maintains that he is better.�

The pope is not calling for an end to debate. As a scholar among popes, he surely values rational and respectful discourse. His call to us concerns the manner in which we communicate, asking that dialogue within the Church not be ill-tempered, but be rooted in love and humility.

As this newspaper noted two weeks ago, too often love is absent from dialogue within the Church. This can find expression in hurtful language, attitudes and, indeed, calumny. Every family � and to God, we are all bothers and sisters � has disagreements, and these must be discussed with reciprocal respect and charity.

The unity of the Church is not threatened by disagreement, even if it is resolute, but by the way differences in perspectives are being expressed.