Monday, February 18, 2008

Bishop Hilarion and Cardinal George


Various blogs have noted the recent comments of the young Russian Orthodox Bishop, Hilarion, at a Council of Churches meeting in Switzerland. Rather like Daniel in the lion's den, he declared that "liberal Christianity will not survive long and political correctness within the Christian community is destined to die." This reminded me of a quote from Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, easily the most intellectually able of the US Bishops:

"We are at a turning point in the life of the Church......liberal Christianity is an exhausted project. Essentially a critique, even a necessary critique at one point in our history, it is now parasitical on a substance that no longer exists. It has shown itself unable to pass on the faith in its integrity and inadequate, therefore, in fostering the joyful self-surrender called for in Christian marriage, in consecrated life, in ordained priesthood. It no longer gives life."

1 comment:

fr paul harrison said...

The Cardinal makes a very astute point there and how true it is. Sadly, they still hold positions of influence here in England - patience is a virtue!

fr paul harrison