Why I am glad I am not a bishop

Reason number 6,204. They have to make tough calls involving Catholic teaching has it applies to messy circumstances, where eternal life is at stake for everyone under their care.

Case in point. The dioceses of Boston and Denver are both wrestling in their various ways about whether to allow children of a same-sex couple to enroll in a Catholic school. Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley writes on his blog:

In Boston we are beginning to formulate policies and practices to deal with these complex pastoral matters. In all of our decision making, our first concern is the welfare of the children involved. With that in mind, the essence of what we are looking at is the question of how do we make Catholic schools available to children who come from diverse, often unconventional households, while ensuring the moral theology and teachings of the Church are not compromised? It is true that we welcome people from all walks of life. But we recognize that, regardless of the circumstances involved, we maintain our responsibility to teach the truths of our faith, including those concerning sexual morality and marriage. We need to present the Church’s teachings courageously and yet in a way that is compassionate and persuasive.

The Archdiocese of Denver has formulated a policy that calls into question the appropriateness of admitting the children of same-sex couples. It is clear that all of their school policies are intended to foster the welfare of the children and fidelity to the mission of the Church. Their positions and rationale must be seriously considered.

The comments are interesting. Some trouble me. I'm troubled by some of the people who are so concerned about maintaining their Catholic purity and their children's that they would wall themselves off from the chance of any contamination. Would they also exclude me, too?

I confess, I'm a rather liberal conservative and here is what I would hope for. I would hope that Catholic schools have deeply faithful Catholic teachers and administrators. They are the ones that set the tone for the students. Alas, these days there are stories that people are attending mass just to get a job in the Catholic school system, as a kind of hoop to jump through. Start with making sure the teachers love and serve the Lord and love the Catholic faith.

Then I would say, throw open the doors to parents who may be in all kinds of problematic relationships --divorced and remarried, shacking up, you name it---but who sincerely desire their child be brought up Catholic. But at the same time, I do not recommend naivete. If some couple is trying to use their children as a political wedge to undermine Catholic teaching, then that should not be allowed. This is a pastoral decision that cannot have a one-size fits all approach.