Francis, The Holy Father, has written and released his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium - "Joy of the Gospel". There is much to read, analyze and contemplate. There are parts that some will struggle with and parts that will not be accepted by people. I struggle and don't agree with a good deal of it. But the main focus of this document in my view is a long needed, strong and intense battle for the poor, the vulnerable and disenfranchised, as well as a strong statement for peace and justice. It is long overdue and Francis will need to do a lot more to lead the way. Robes and gold will need to take a different place in the Church. Having said that, he needs to be given credit for speaking out strongly on the side of the poor. He raises serious questions about the morality of economic systems based on individual wealth. And he speaks of peace.
The entire document can be found here and should be read and thought about.
To me, the most meaningful and important sections are The Inclusion of The Poor In Society and The Common Good and Peace In Society. From my perspective these are not new or different ideas. These are the teachings of Christ and the Church from its earliest days with an emphasis on the least among us and on peace.
Many of those who are in leadership positions today are Christians, many Catholics. These are leaders who cut Food Stamps to those who are struggling. These are the leaders who promote and fund joystick wars by manipulating drones far away, with little concern for killing or the collateral damage of civilians. These are people who need to read Francis' words on the poor and on peace along with the rest of us.
For those who wonder, the Church left me many years ago. Perhaps she's coming back. Perhaps she can be forgiven. The reality is though that the Church I knew was and has been judgmental about so many in society, and in doing so aligned herself with followers who looked away or worse yet, down on so many segments of society. Francis certainly has a job cut out for him to change all of that but I'm grateful that he's trying.
The reality is though that I and others will continue to struggle with the issues of a church that is so judgmental relative to sexual orientation, the ordination of women, and the ability of people to make choices about contraception and their bodies. These are areas that continue to need clarification and discussion. They are by no means black and white, one shoe fits all types of issues. They are very real and of great importance to those who are impacted and who are looking for an embrace from the Church.
Francis has the right vision of the poor as those who we can all learn from. He voices a respect for them as well as the struggles they engage in. But he does more. He asks everyone else to change their ways and their thinking. We will see. We will see.
Interesting that you would cite ' a church (the Roman Catholic Church) that is so judgmental relative to sexual orientation, the ordination of women, and the ability of people to make choices about contraception and their bodies.'
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why I am so proud to be an Episcopalian. We have welcomed the LGBT community; ordained women to be bishops, priests, and deacons; and allowed people to make choices about contraception and their bodies.
The effort to do those things has not been easy, nor without cost. But in the end we have done the right thing.
Jesus agrees I feel certain.
I, too, welcome Pope Francis' identification with the poor and most vulnerable of the world. He can have enormous influence for good - and is on the right path.
A blessed Advent to you Gadfly.
Michael Hartney
Watkins Glen
Thanks for the comment. You should be very proud. I have great respect for the Episcopalian community and the leadership it has shown to the rest of the religious world. Peace.
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