Welcome, Bishop Johnston, to a World That’s Changed and Healing

By Mary Sanchez
Kansas City Star
September 15, 2015

http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/mary-sanchez/article35390514.html


The diocese that Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. will lead is a far different one than the previous bishop found upon his arrival.

Society is different, in ways that will ease the way for the new bishop, and ways that have riled him in the past.

Johnston has been a strong supporter of two of the most noncontroversial arms of the Catholic church in his previous position as the leader of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Catholic Charities and the Catholic Worker movement are strong in the Kansas City area, making significant impact on the lives of poor people and those who are too often left without a voice. The faith’s most vocal critics would do well to visit the deeds of both and see the power of faith at its best.

Where the sparks may fly again are with the issues that many faiths, and certainly many Catholics, routinely wrestle. And that is the chafing that occurs between changing societal norms and church teachings.

For Johnston, growing acceptance toward homosexuality has been an issue. “Hate the sin but love the sinner” feels simplistic in 2015, more a way of dodging conflict than finding resolution. Johnston was outspoken in Springfield against gay marriage and when the city was deciding whether to include sexual orientation in the list of protected classes.

In contrast, Pope Francis’ simple comment, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” reverberated globally. The statement was non-condemning and spurred reflection. It didn’t change church doctrine one iota. People forget that part.

But the calming demeanor of Pope Francis, a call to encourage people to examine deeply their beliefs and actions — this is the challenge of all religious leadership.

It should be lost on no one, least of all area Catholics, that the position of bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph became vacant after scandal. Misguided motivations and past actions of diocesean hierarchy have long unfairly tainted Catholics here. Mistakes were made in handling the child sex abuse case. That is indisputable.

But the appointment of Johnston is about healing. New systems are in place, moving the handling of abuse allegations outside of the diocese, with law enforcement and state social systems wired in to investigate and protect the child — first and foremost. Johnston’s appointment is a reflection of a religious community moving forward. He deserves a heartfelt welcome and support toward that purpose.

Contact: msanchez@kcstar.com