Church from the bottom up

 

During synodal discussions, it became clear that bishops continue to feel called to proclaim the gospel using their own talents, knowledge and skills but without supernatural authorisation or sanctifying powers. Especially that said limitation affects powers of all the faithful and thus the structure of the whole church.... Clearly, all believers are called to put the gospel into practice but are not equally capable of doing so. All without exception have a right to speak in their own community.

Pope Francis wants to take equal rights into account but he also wants to preserve the traditional mutual bond of bishops. In that plan, he sees no place for priests and deacons who would feel a priori elevated above other believers. He thinks of the church as a field hospital for those in need. According to him, the church could be rebuilt from the bottom up and still be somewhat in keeping with tradition. With those suggestions, we have six topics for study and dialogue

 

1. Church from the bottom up

2. Community focused on caring for each other and those in need

3. Choosing a leader or leader's coach

4. Diocese as centre of charitable action

5. Choosing a bishop

6. Joining a world chain

 

Design of

CHURCH FROM THE BOTTOM UP

 

The Catholic Church consists of communities of those who, in the spirit of Jesus Christ, strive for justice and care for each other and especially for those in need of help.

Every member of such a community can participate in choosing from among available male and female candidates the person who will coach as pastor relief work, represent the community and organise meetings.

The pastors of a particular circle or region, in turn, choose from among suitable candidates a man or woman as a bishop for diocesan charitable aid projects, for running an aid addresses to which pastors can refer poor people for free expert advice. The bishop should further  mutual contact of pastors and their training.

A project bishop be brought into the ranks of Catholic bishops by some sitting bishops expressing their agreement with the choice made by pastors.

 

Vision of faithful

Drs Ed H. Schreurs