Bishops leave politics out as they work to promote the faithful, common good

November 13, 2024 at 4:24 p.m.
Bishop O'Connell meets CUA President Dr. Peter Kilpatrick and staff during their visit to USCCB. Courtesy photo.
Bishop O'Connell meets CUA President Dr. Peter Kilpatrick and staff during their visit to USCCB. Courtesy photo.

A reflection by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

I am writing today from Baltimore where the bishops of the United States are gathering for their annual meeting.  The agenda is not too heavy but it is clear that the motivation for this yearly assembly of the American hierarchy is promoting and fostering the good of the faithful in so many dimensions of their daily life as Catholics.

Leading up to the meeting, I was amused by the predictions of certain news outlets, including some Catholic media, about the concerns of the bishops and what would be the focus of our attention.  The prediction that the recent presidential election would be "the" or "a" prominent discussion topic was widely predicted.  It was not.  

    Bishop Checchio from the Metuchen diocese addresses the USCCB. Courtesy photo.
 
 


Other than some commentary on the Christian approach to immigration, there were very few references to the election. In many publications, blogs, etc., much of the reporting about the bishops and their concerns and priorities has been viewed and presented through the eyes of American politics.  While that is the viewpoint suggested by some media, I don't feel that is an accurate read of how the bishops reflect together on the issues they face in their ministry.

I have been involved in USCCB meetings for over 14 years as a member and, before that, as president of CUA, the bishops' university, for 12 years. I have listened carefully to the bishops' comments and interventions.  Christ, the Gospel, the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church, the spiritual and human good of the faithful, the common good of humankind have always been the foundation and center of what we bishops consider and talk about in our several days together.  

Whether a bishop is conservative or liberal is irrelevant in the shadow of the Cross of Christ whom we serve through our episcopal teaching and ministry.



Related Stories

I am writing today from Baltimore where the bishops of the United States are gathering for their annual meeting.  The agenda is not too heavy but it is clear that the motivation for this yearly assembly of the American hierarchy is promoting and fostering the good of the faithful in so many dimensions of their daily life as Catholics.

Leading up to the meeting, I was amused by the predictions of certain news outlets, including some Catholic media, about the concerns of the bishops and what would be the focus of our attention.  The prediction that the recent presidential election would be "the" or "a" prominent discussion topic was widely predicted.  It was not.  

    Bishop Checchio from the Metuchen diocese addresses the USCCB. Courtesy photo.
 
 


Other than some commentary on the Christian approach to immigration, there were very few references to the election. In many publications, blogs, etc., much of the reporting about the bishops and their concerns and priorities has been viewed and presented through the eyes of American politics.  While that is the viewpoint suggested by some media, I don't feel that is an accurate read of how the bishops reflect together on the issues they face in their ministry.

I have been involved in USCCB meetings for over 14 years as a member and, before that, as president of CUA, the bishops' university, for 12 years. I have listened carefully to the bishops' comments and interventions.  Christ, the Gospel, the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church, the spiritual and human good of the faithful, the common good of humankind have always been the foundation and center of what we bishops consider and talk about in our several days together.  

Whether a bishop is conservative or liberal is irrelevant in the shadow of the Cross of Christ whom we serve through our episcopal teaching and ministry.


Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Bishops leave politics out as they work to promote the faithful, common good
I am writing today from Baltimore where the bishops...

Sainthood causes for Benedictine sister and disabilities education advocate get US bishops' approval
In 1918, when Benedictines in Minnesota gave Anna Cordelia Zerva...

Bishops stress standing for dignity of human life following presidential election
The Catholic Church "always insists on the dignity of the human person

COP 29: Sustainable climate financing needed for vulnerable nations, say Catholic relief experts
As the United Nations' annual climate conference kicks off...

U.S. bishops to consider creating task force for synodal implementation
The U.S. bishops are considering the creation of a task force ...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2024 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.