It’s Sad When Division Comes from Clergy

by Letters Editor · May 2, 2019

J Goliath, Cape Town – I recently attended a parish mission. At the closing of the mission, the parish priest said: “A river of grace is flowing through this parish, not for those who ran away to (church mentioned). They can stay there…”

How sad! Sentiments such as these are judgmental, divisive, and allude to exclusivity, and should therefore never permeate our Catholic narrative.

Pope Francis has urged us to “open the doors of the Church”. The priest at the parish mission sounded like a politician canvassing for votes rather than a shepherd chosen to lead his flock. Yes, I am a defender of the faith, but nobody is above reproach.

Is it any wonder our hurting Catholics are finding a home in other denominations?

Comments from the laity after the parish mission flowed: “I go where I’m being fed”, “My Lenten journey has been ruined”, and “What a start to Holy Week!”

I pray, “Blessed are the peacemakers…” and “Father, make us one.”