The lead up to the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops that is wrapping up in Rome was filled with predictions of fireworks and infighting. I normally don't give much credence to such talk, and while I agree with voices like Fr. Robert Barron that we shouldn't make too much out of this week's controversies, it's hard to deny that, for once, the predictions were right.
Clear divisions can be seen among the Synod fathers, and while I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is in charge and all will workout along God's plan, it has been a disconcerting process.
Week one seemed to go smoothly enough. Sure there were a few eyebrows raised by an Australian couple who spoke to the bishops about welcoming gay children and their partners to Christmas dinner. But for the most part what ever tremors were going on seemed to be mild. It looked like all the talk of rupture and discord was overblown.
Then week two opened with a seismic jolt by way of the release of the Relatio post disceptationem (report after the debate), a mid term report meant to summarize the discussions so far. While the document is wide ranging, not particularly well written and most importantly, not an authoritative teaching tool, the three paragraphs concerning homosexuals in the Church caused a firestorm inside the synod hall and in the secular as well as Catholic press. It engendered strong reactions from conservative minded bishops like Cardinal Pell who implied that the most talked about debate, concerning the issue of Communion for the divorced and remarried, is a stalking horse to get things like the recognition of gay unions on then table.
The drama continued with the controversial interview with Cardinal Kasper that wasn't (but really was). In it the cardinal, who has been championing a change in Church discipline to allow Communion for the divorced and remarried, came off as dismissive of the bishops from Africa, more then implying that they shouldn't have much of a say in how the Church moves in this area since their cultural milieu is so different from that of the Western world. Realizing how negatively he came off, Cardinal Kasper tried to deny that the interview ever took place, which was silly since it was recorded and there were two other journalists present. John Allen has an interesting take on the whole thing, framing the controversy in light of Africa's coming of age within the Church.
If any of you have been following the controversy surrounding Cardinal Kasper, you'll notice that I haven't used the word "racist" to describe him, as some have. Partly it's because I don't believe that he is one, and also I think the racism, as well as homophobe cards are thrown around way too freely these days. It's like calling somebody a communist back in the 1950's; a cheep and easy way to cast aspersions on someone you can't actually beat in an honest debate. Cardinal Kasper, high IQ not withstanding, was speaking after days of grueling meetings, probably before supper, so he was more than a bit hungry, and communicating in a second or third (or maybe even fourth) language. I can attest that my ability to communicate in Spanish takes a big nosedive after a long day and on an empty stomach. The cardinal is an honorable man, and should be given the benefit of the doubt.
But his words do denote a general prejudice that some churchmen in the West have toward their counterparts in the developing world. Again, not racism in the sense that they think that people from the Southern Hemisphere are inherently inferior, but that they haven't caught up socially or intellectually yet. Give them time, the Europeans say, and our African and Asian brothers and sisters will see the light. But the African bishops are saying wait a minute; we understand and live the Church's social doctrine with zeal, as well as embrace Her moral doctrines. We've experienced persecution, and know what it is to have to grow and develop in a hostile culture. We take a back seat to no one: our parishes, religious houses and seminaries are filled to overflowing, while those of the West are withering. Maybe it's you that need to learn from us. Maybe it is those that the world considers weak who will teach the strong.
Thankfully the Synod will end this weekend, and we will have time as a Church to pray and reflect before the ordinary synod in 12 months.
Next time, something on Pope Paul VI, who will he beatified Sunday, the Spirit of Vatican II and how both relate to this soon to be concluded Synod.
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