Posted on 09/10/2017 6:29:53 PM PDT by marshmallow
CATHOLIC Laity Council of Ahiara Mbaise yesterday restated its resolve to reject the appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke but commended Pope Francis concern for its members.
Trouble started in 2012 when Pope Benedict XVI appointed Okpaleke from Amesi in Aguata local government area of Anambra State to succeed pioneer Bishop Anthony Adibe Chikwe who hailed from Ezinitte Mbaise Council, but the indigenes rejected the appointment, insisting on an indigene of the area.
The situation lingered till June 9, 2017 when the Catholic Pontiff summoned the parties to the dispute to Rome at the end of which the Pope gave the protesting priests 30 days to write a letter of apology and accept Okpaleke or risk suspension from the church. That ultimatum expired on July 9 when the battle shifted to the Laity as youths had effectively prevented the Bishop from assuming office in Ahiara Diocese. After a meeting on Friday, the Laity Council issued a statement, saying it had not accepted Okpaleke as Bishop.
(Excerpt) Read more at vanguardngr.com ...
There has to be a lot more to this story that has been allowed to meet the eye. What is the underlying problem there?
What is left out of the story is the back story on the unwillingness of the locals to accept the appointment of, not Bergoglio, but of Benedict. Are they rebels, or dissidents, or ignorant of the order of the pope and in the Church? They claim the appointed bishop is not a local? So?
Generally, Archbishops recommend those candidates to a pope, for a bishop who might be suitable for the replacement of a retiring or deceased bishop to a given region, by way of the Pope himself, who desires some degree of feedback generally speaking, right?
The pope expresses interest for some sort of “vetting” to occur, in order to make a suitable and fine match, correct?
Benedict would not set out to displease a large Nigerian diocese full of laity, unless.... unless, he was aware of illicit teachings or some improper matter.
Then comes Francis, with the hammer and cycle flying in, bringing no peace to the situation, or at least, not sharing what the underlying problem is.
“sickle”! NOT cycle.
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