December 10, 2004

Wilton Gregory brings charisma

ATLANTA (GA)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

By JOHN BLAKE, BO EMERSON
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/10/2004

Bishop Wilton Gregory, one of the most charismatic figures in the U.S. Roman Catholic church, has been named archbishop of the Atlanta archdiocese by Pope John Paul II.

Gregory, 57, was greeted Thursday with a standing ovation from local church leaders during an afternoon news conference. Minutes into his comments, Gregory had the room laughing and nodding in approval at his sharp wit and self-deprecating manner.

The bishop of the dioceses of Belleville, Ill., is a rising star in the U.S. church. He was the youngest American bishop at 35, the first African-American president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and one of the first American bishops to grapple with the church's sex abuse scandals before they would become a national issue.

Gregory said he will keep his office open to victims of clergy sex abuse and look for ways to work with other religious leaders in the city.

"I come with no preset agenda, but with an open heart," he said. "My heart and office will be open to all people."

Posted by kshaw at December 10, 2004 08:58 AM