In his column in the Feb. 8 issue of The Catholic Messenger, Father Richard McBrien criticizes the current poor episcopal leadership and states, “If Nelson Mandela had followed the example of some of our priests and bishops, one wonders where South Africa would be today.”
One could point out that if our bishops followed the example of Nelson Mandela they would most likely find their episcopal careers at an end. From all appearances, the Vatican does not promote men who encourage independent thought. These days it seems that only “yes men” become bishops in the Roman Church. More’s the pity.
Thank you and God bless,
Cullin Schooley
Des Moines
