Parish politics
From Peter Venter, Durban:
Chris Moerdyk’s column “Parish volunteers from hell” makes for interesting reading, especially his comments on “control freaks” and the “rumour-mongers”.
With regard to the latter, if a priest is seen in the company of a female parishioner having coffee at a local coffee-bar, the onlooker becomes suspicious. Immediately they concur that there is something “going-on” between the priest and the woman. They can’t wait to relate the scene to others.
For heavens sake, isn’t a priest allowed leisurely time with friends or fellow parishioners be they female or male?
Control freaks are found in most organisations and the Church is no exception. Normally they are retired leaders or managers who find it difficult to let go of authority. In their enthusiasm, they quickly offer their services before any one else can raise their hand.
To offer assistance is more often than not met with suspicion of a “take-over” bid. Their response being, “No thank you, I’ve got it all under control.” Sadly, these zealots’ attitude spills over to their personal relationship with friends. It’s healthy to have friends, but unhealthy to control that friendship.
Equally sad is that some members of the clergy find it difficult to trim the wings of this type of parishioner. They normally respond with: “They love what they are doing. Don’t let us take it away from them” or “don’t let’s rock their boat.”
Mr Moerdyk’s comment “…but it does help a lot if they [the priests] have enough people skills to keep those over-enthusiastic volunteers under control” is worth noting.
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