The demise of clericalism

There has been some thoughtful comment on the blogosphere about the sermon by Bishop Burns of Menevia concerning the priesthood in which he seemed to link child abuse with "clericalism" and took a sideswipe at traditional liturgy.

Layman Chris Gillibrand posted the text. Another layman, Damian Thompson has given the homily an excellent analysis whilst a further layman, Richard Collins, has his own observations. Layman Laurence England points out the obvious fact that the sins which were committed showed precisely that the clerics concerned forgot that they were priests. Layman Mundabor also has characteristically trenchant comments.

Tut tut. The laity just have no respect nowadays.

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