A Plenary theme: clericalism.
Some comments for reflection, some posters of Pope Francis’ perspective.
Clericalism is the idealisation of the priesthood, and by extension, the idealisation of the Catholic Church. Clericalism is linked to a sense of entitlement, superiority and exclusion, and abuse of power.’ A person suffering from clericalism sees himself as special, superior to others and worthy of greater respect. This could lead to arrogance and the belittling of others. Lay people can also be guilty of clericalism if they support this attitude.
'We need seminaries to be places that train new generations of clergy to be servant leaders who can pastor — not rule over — the faithful.'
After all, Jesus never sent his disciples to a seminary. Jesus introduced them to kingdom values not in a building, but ‘on the road’.
'He should not be given the impression that he is somebody special and above the community, but rather one of the community.'
Gideon Goosen, author of Clericalism: Pope Francis recognises clericalism as an “exclusivist vision of vocation,” which can lead to a “group that has all the answers and no longer needs to listen or learn anything” (address to the Opening of the Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment, October 2018)
Many societies and institutions reflect a situation where one group of people leads a privileged life, rules over the rest, and are not accountable to others.
In the Catholic Church (and other churches), this can be called clericalism. One group (the clergy) have all the power, authority and are not accountable to the rest. The rest simply accept that this is the way things are and have few and very modest expectations.
Clericalism: Stories From The Pews records Catholic's experiences of clericalism and responds to those encounters in the light of the Gospel witness, the nature of priesthood, the documents of the Second Vatican Council, and the constant teaching of Pope Francis. It also explores issues such as seminary formation, appointment of bishops and attitudes to women in church.
Clericalism is a workbook for parishes where priests and people together can consider the mission and structure of the church and plan for ways in which grown up Catholics can be formed as Christian disciples with adult faith and integrity.
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