Despite its problems, former rector sees signs of hope for church

Fr. Donald Cozzens appearance in Milwaukee was reported by Maryangela Layman Roman in the November 10, 2005 Catholic Herald. His presentation was title "Faith that Dares to Speak." He began with a general approach to the Church's problems.

"Imagine what the life of the church would be like if we embraced Gospel simplicity," he told about 500 people gathered for one of the opening sessions during Call To Action's annual conference held Nov. 4-6 at Milwaukee's Midwest Airlines Center.

"I think the credibility of our leaders would be reclaimed if we clergy embrace Gospel simplicity. Clericalism would be dissolved. Then we would witness and model that what we preach," he said.

So, the solution is to return to the model of an earlier time?

During his hourlong presentation, Fr. Cozzens described the church as a feudal structure which has served the church well for thousands of years. Yet, he said, the feudal system does not work well when the serfs are educated, describing his audience as very educated people.

So, the problem is continuing with the model of an earlier time?

It's now coming into conflict, however, with what he called the modern democratic culture rooted in participation.

"Yes, we embrace the teaching authority of the church," he said, "but you see the style of this other culture, this other world view is quite different." He described its style as pastoral and persuasive.

You actually see its style in processes like parish councils, listening sessions or Open Space. These fit their advocates' preconceptions that participatory form will produce results spontaneously. They don't, in practice, but instead have been used manipulatively or ineffectively.

The clash of cultures exists in the church, said Fr. Cozzens, because the new style clashes with the long-standing feudal system where the bishops are vassels to the pope, the absolute monarch, and the priests are vassels to the bishops. At the very bottom are the laity, the serfs, said Fr. Cozzens.

As you recall from your History lessons, the theory of the absolute monarch was a post-feudal development. A feudal king's right to rule was conditioned on fulfilling his obligations to his vassals, and so on down to the serfs.

Why should we expect the very educated laity to bring the Church closer to Gospel simplicity? If and when in charge, they more likely will assert authority on the basis of superior knowledge. Rather than spiritual lords, or spiritual fathers, they would claim to be the spiritual experts.

Renewal organizations like Voice of the Faithful and Call to Action include people who are trying to embrace a gospel of liberation, he said, adding he's also filled with hope because of the growing numbers of associations and alliances of priests formed to address difficult issues in the church.

From what I've seen, they seem rather to want to be in the Church what tenured faculty is in the university.