Bishop Sample on Bishop Gumbleton
Sent in from a reader.
MARQUETTE - This is the statement of Bishop Alexander K. Sample of the Catholic Diocese of Marquette, issued this morning: "I attempted to handle this matter in a private, respectful and fraternal manner with Bishop Gumbleton. It is unfortunate that what should have remained a private matter between two bishops of the Catholic Church has been made available for public consumption. "I want to first of all say that my decision to ask Bishop Gumbleton not to come to Marquette had absolutely nothing to do with the group who invited him to speak, Marquette Citizens for Peace and Justice, nor with the topic of his publicized speech, since the Church is a strong advocate of peace and justice. I am sorry for the negative impact this has had on those planning this event. "There is a common courtesy usually observed between bishops whereby when one bishop wishes to enter into another bishop's diocese to minister or make a public speech or appearance, he informs the local bishop ahead of time and seeks his approval. I have had no communication whatsoever from Bishop Gumbleton. "As the Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, I am the chief shepherd and teacher of the Catholic faithful of the Upper Peninsula entrusted to my pastoral care. As such I am charged with the grave responsibility to keep clearly before my people the teachings of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals. Given Bishop Gumbleton's very public position on certain important matters of Catholic teaching, specifically with regard to homosexuality and the ordination of women to the priesthood, it was my judgment that his presence in Marquette would not be helpful to me in fulfilling my responsibility. I realize that these were not the topics upon which Bishop Gumbleton was planning to speak. However, I was concerned about his well-known and public stature and position on these issues and my inability to keep these matters from coming up in discussion.In order that no one becomes confused, everyone under my pastoral care must receive clear teaching on these important doctrines. "I offer my prayers for Bishop Gumbleton and for all those who have been negatively affected by this unfortunate situation." [reference]
Known as 
Shades of "Ladyhawk!"
"It is unfortunate that what should have remained a private matter between two bishops of the Catholic Church has been made available for public consumption."
Just an informational question: how was it made public and who did it?
Praise God! I especially love the crozier/ spine logo. I might have to use that (with permission) some time!
From an earlier edition of the Mining JournalOctober 9: Members of the Citizens for Peace and Social Justice group said they are appalled, sad and frustrated over a decision by Bishop Alexander Sample of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette to deny a Detroit bishop permission to speak publicly in Marquette this weekend.
The response from "Members of the Citizens for Peace and Social Justice" group reveals a fundamental lack of understanding of the pastoral duties of a bishop in his diocese. My guess is that, this fundamental misunderstanding, extends well into their "personal" interpretation of Catholic Social Justice. May the Holy Spirit always fill your heart with our Lord's understanding, wisdom, mercy and strength, Bishop Sample. You are not alone, my brother in Christ.
The "Members of the Citizens for Peace and Social Justice" also have no understanding of civil rights. They say "I don't know how one bishop can deny civil rights," in the article. However, Gumbleton's American civl right to speak is intact. No government entitiy will arrest him if he speaks. He decided to comply with Bishop Sample's request out of respect (or maybe he just wants to look like he and his cause are persecuted - nothing like a little persecution to light a fire under the donors).
Gumbleton can stay below the bridge with the rest of the trolls. We yoopers above the bridge can do without his ideas.
"However, Gumbleton's American civl right to speak is intact."
Aye. Somewhere people got stupid and started to assert that freedom to speak meant entitlement to any and every venue.
Yeah, Bishop Sample.
The Catholic Church has never been unclear about its tenants or what it takes to be a Catholic. It is under no obligation to tolerate dissenters within its ranks. It is puzzling to me why so many choose to remain, after clearly departing from the teachings of the Church.
My parents left their Church forty years ago because their beliefs differed from that of the clergy and the majority of the congregation, during the Vietnam War. They have been happy with their decision and now are members of another church.
My sister married a divorced man and chose to become Episcopal and raise her family in that Church. Her husband, who still considers himself a devout member of the Irish Catholic community, attends with her, realizing that it would be hypocritical to continue his affiliation with the church. He has two brothers who are priests, a sister that is a nun and several siblings that are no longer Catholic. They are all still devoted to the family and one another.
I eschew all organized religion because I believe that spirituality resides with the individual and is not best pursued by committee.
Freedom of religion is one of this nation's greatest gifts. People should take advantage of it.