BishopAccountability.org
	A Challenge Ahead Philly Burbs September 12, 2011 http://www.phillyburbs.com/blogs/opinions/intel/a-challenge-ahead/article_c9e060b6-5369-5e4d-9b60-420853fe6f6f.html New archbishop takes over in Philadelphia WE COULD SURELY forgive Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, new head of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia, for including a “Why me, Lord?” in his recent daily prayers. The archbishop has arrived from Denver to take over an archdiocese reeling from grand jury findings of widespread sexual abuse by members of the clergy and, perhaps worse than the abuses themselves, charges of an ongoing cover-up by high-ranking diocesan officials. To say the priest-abuse scandal has rocked the Catholic community is a vast understatement. In addressing the faithful during his installation last week, Chaput said “the church is not defined by her failures ... what we do in the coming months and years to respond to these challenges — that will define who we really are.” Indeed, how the archdiocese under Chaput shores up the battered faith of so many Catholics will in large measure define his tenure here. This Native American from Kansas, known for evangelism and his dedication to social justice, has not been given an easy assignment. Yet the outspoken Chaput — he once suggested that Vice President Joe Biden, a Catholic, refrain from taking Communion because of his stance on abortion — may be just the kind of man needed to steady the archdiocese of 1.5 million members. Said Barbara Miller of Bryn Mawr, who attended the Mass for Chaput’s installation: “I think he’s going to bring energy and life and vitality back to the archdiocese, and unite us all.” How successful Chaput is will be determined by two things: his leadership in addressing the sins of the past and his vision for the future. Even without the crimes of the clergy, the Catholic Church faces the enormous pressure of trying to remain relevant at a time when all traditional church membership — Protestant as well as Catholic — is suffering. Archbishop Chaput no doubt welcomes the good wishes of Catholics and non-Catholics alike on his arrival in Philadelphia. More importantly, he will welcome the ongoing prayers of parishioners throughout the diocese as he begins the difficult task that lies ahead.
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