Two Excommunicated in Canada, Two More To Follow? …Archdiocese of Portland Oregon Next

You won’t find it in your local newspaper or anywhere on the internet, but reliable sources tell me the Zion Train is coming our way here in the Archdiocese of Portland Oregon on Saturday, June 7th, 2008. That is, Zion United Church of Christ in Gresham is offering its worship space to misguided Catholics assisting them in committing the canon crime of self-ordination in direct opposition to Catholic faith and tradition.

Yes, I’ve also heard that is happening. No, they won’t be excommunicated. Why? Archbishop Vlazny ain’t no Archbishop Burke. Unless you mean Latae Sententiae. That applies, but what good is that to clarify the grave wrong to the faithful and preserve the integrity of the priesthood in the eyes of non-Catholics?

The Portland ‘Gay Pride’ Parade is coming up soon. So far four parishes in the Portland, OR archdiocese have publicly, formally announced their participation. Vlazny.....silence so far. Several members of the Archdiocesan staff and advisory boards attend these very same parishes. It’s not as blatant as Mahony-ville, but there are serious problems with the bishop here.

I sometimes wonder if I’m “bishop-bashing” too much....on the one hand I feel I don’t want to be negative and critical....but on the other hand I believe it’s the passivity of Catholics, our tendency to obey and be good and not make waves, that has allowed many of these problems, like the homosexual abuse problem, to flourish.

We have to pray and try to be sympathetic to the difficult jobs bishops have, especially in dioceses with liberal urban areas. But I think it’s not wrong to criticize if it’s a genuine complaint, not just whining. I’m trying when these topics come up to point out where there are problems, for the sake of people being informed. So many Catholics STILL have no clue what goes on. Look how long Phleger has stayed in power in Chicago, with Cardinal George almost helpless to remove him due to other internal ecclessial and political pressures.

What do you think? Is it good or destructive to be frank about where we see bishops failing in their governing role? I would NEVER criticize the Holy Father, no matter what. But some of these bishops need to be exposed, not to hurt them, but so they can correct their path when they hear from their flock that they want real, orthodox leadership.

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