Editorial

The Twin Pillars of the Catholic Church

Opinion | Editorial | John S. Shilshi | 19-Dec-2024

Dealing with the differences between the laity and clergy, the two pillars of the church, is a perpetual problem for the Catholic Church. Though the problem is real and sometimes threatens to tear apart the cohesiveness of the synodal church, it has always been brushed aside as an inconsequential issue until Pope Francis, in February 2023, spoke openly about it. He called on laypeople, priests, bishops, and the religious to collaborate meaningfully for the betterment of the church. He emphasized the need to avoid clericalism, asserting that priests and bishops who adopt this mindset significantly harm the Church. It was an indication that the head of the church surely saw the ever-widening gap between the twin pillars more deeply than anyone else.

Since early times, the mother church’s history has been replete with stories of differences between these key components: the spiritual and the secular members. Additionally, the church is also grappling to deal with a lack of synergy between different congregations, which, to a significant extent, may be said to have weakened the Catholic standing as a unified body. Long before the Pope voiced concern, critics within the church criticized what they called a monopoly by the clergy in church management. They cited examples of church disintegration in developed and enlightened Europe, as well as in Latin America, a region once known to have staunch followers of Catholicism, and attributed the lay-clergy differences as the primary reason. With Pope Francis speaking out on the contentious issue, they seemed to have found a friendly voice in the Pope himself. They have become more vocal than ever.

In the Indian churches, too, the lay grouse against clergy highhandedness is a prevalent fact. However, unlike what one sees in Western countries, here much of the disappointment arose more from a perceived notion than from those established with supporting facts. Even in instances where the church hierarchy’s wrongdoings were fully established beyond doubt, the option often chosen is not that of sincerely speaking out but a suppressed feeling harboured silently within. Another common reason why the differences between the twin pillars rarely get resolved but linger is that discussions and mediation were hardly the options chosen to thrash out issues. While the culture of silence triumphs over the lay voice, the unwillingness of the clergy to accommodate dissents, including those expressed with the best of intentions, and fit into the bill of constructive criticism always looms large. Thus, the chasm always continues.

Whether we like it or not, it needs mentioning that there is another serious disease the laypeople suffer from. The majority don’t believe in speaking through their works. On the other hand, lay organizations are expected to take on the clergy formation to make up for failures to speak out as individuals when we see something wrong. The reality unfortunately is that the leadership is only as good as its members; therefore, there is also a tendency to succumb to such a mindset. These are some of the primary reasons why, across the nation and in our region, the relationship between the church hierarchy and the lay organizations is most times tension-filled. However, it's important to acknowledge that when lay organizations contribute to the betterment of society and the church, the hierarchy consistently extends support. It's time for lay organizations to master the art of assuming leadership silently, allowing their works to speak for themselves.

Controversies have strained the relationship between the church's twin pillars for far too long, and this is not a situation the synodal church could afford to risk in the light of the developing socio-political situation in the country. We have, in the past, seen how people and organizations inimical to Christians attempted to use oversights by a few to their advantage. The hierarchy must recognize the urgent need for a robust and cohesive lay organization that supports the church. Similarly, laypeople must shun the perception of taking on the clergy as their primary task. The Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People underscores the importance of spiritual formation. This will enable the laity to base their life and activity on the mystery of creation and redemption and to be open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. This will significantly contribute to reducing the growing distance between the two main pillars of the church. Despite these seemingly ominous differences, Mother Church remains firm; therefore, it is the bounden duty of all God's people to ensure her continued elevation.

 

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