We can only move forward when we name the evil of clericalism

Dear brothers and sisters in Francis and Clare,
​
Like many of you I was shocked to hear about the sex scandals in Pennsylvania involving its Catholic clergy.  My first reaction was to tuck my head in and hide...  but prayer and sober thought from the Holy Spirit nixed that idea.  This is a time for us to stand up, speak out, and show we are Franciscans by our actions, not words. 

The following article speaks to that  eloquently. The article resonates deep within me.  Still I cannot speak for everyone and I am aware that many of our members will find it hard to read this article, or understand their own role in promoting clericalism. The article provokes us to reconsider our role as baptized Christians and as professed Franciscans, because it does, it is a form of examination of conscience and I encourage all of you to read it. 
                - May the Peace of Christ and Francis, disturb you. - Michel David,ofs, Reg Minister

Bishops and priests attend Pope Francis' celebration of Mass marking the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican June 29. (CNS/Paul Haring)

Read More

As finger pointing and efforts to blame individuals or groups for the massive crisis in the church today continues, and many church leaders, experts, those claiming to be theologians and justifiably angry and indignant Catholics diagnose the current tragic state of affairs in the church, theories abound. In some misinformed minds, the current abuse crisis is caused by obligatory celibacy for priests in the Latin Rite, homosexual members of the clergy and episcopacy, alcoholics, bishops unwilling to submit their resignations, etc., yet there is one glaring word that many avoid speaking: the evil of clericalism that is at the root of the crisis.

"Clericalism, whether fostered by priests themselves or by lay persons, leads to an excision in the ecclesial body that supports and helps to perpetuate many of the evils that we are condemning today. To say "no" to abuse is to say an emphatic "no" to all forms of clericalism."
      - Pope Francis, Aug 20

National Catholic Reporter by Thomas Rosica - Basilian Fr. Thomas Rosica is the founding CEO of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and Television Network in Canada.