Bishop should aim to heal wounds

The following letter to the editor of the Scranton Times appeared on May 25, 2009:

Bishop should aim to heal wounds

Editor: All religions have basic truths that you must believe if you wish to be a member of that faith. If you do not agree with those basic truths, you should find a religion that more accurately reflects your beliefs.

In the Roman Catholic faith the bishop has absolute authority in his diocese, granted to him from Rome. While you may not like that your home parish or school gets merged or closed, the bishop's say is final and as a good Catholic you believe he is acting as the Lord would wish and in the best interests of the church. Emotions run high when it comes to these topics. But some of the bishop's actions have been long overdue and, for some, it is very hard to see your home church shuttered, even if it is necessary progress.

When it comes to education, this area owes a great debt to the Roman Catholic Church. The church blazed trails in opening opportunities for learning to those in the coalfields and surrounding areas. The selfless sacrifices of many priests, brothers and sisters allowed for the creation of grade schools, high schools, colleges, hospitals and orphanages.

In days gone by the majority of those working at Catholic institutions were under the direct authority of the bishop by virtue of their vows, for most of those teaching at the Catholic schools were priests, sisters or brothers.

Today the overwhelming majority of those teaching at Catholic institutions are lay people, most of whom could very well find work at public schools. The bishop and teachers' reps, chosen by the teachers, should work together to do what is best for all concerned. The bishop may not "legally" have to recognize the union, but he needs to reach out to those teaching in the Catholic schools and begin to heal any wounds that remain.

The bishop has criticized public figures whose actions seem to go against what the church teaches. I believe that an active, ongoing dialogue should be opened between the bishop and those Catholics in public service. It should be made absolutely clear what types of actions or inactions would jeopardize remaining in good standing with one's church. The bishop knows as well as anyone, even Sen. Bob Casey, that just because something is legal that does not make it right.

JOE BROGENSKI

Jefferson Twp.